Chelsea Transfer News: Alexis Sanchez Monitored Amid Latest Contract Rumours

Chelsea will pursue Alexis Sanchez if he does not put pen to paper on a new contract with Arsenal.

That's according to the Mirror's Darren Lewis, who reported the Blues are one of "a number of big clubs" monitoring the Chilean's negotiations with the Gunners and that should the north London outfit fail to meet his demands, Chelsea will attempt to recruit him as a strike partner for Diego Costa.

Per Lewis, Sanchez is reportedly hoping to earn wages closer to the likes of Paul Pogba, Sergio Aguero and Eden Hazard, and according to John Cross of the same outlet, he is also attracting interest from the Chinese Super League.

The 27-year-old has been in top form this season, having been moved to a centre-forward role, notching 13 goals and 10 assists in 20 appearances in all competitions.

On Saturday, he bagged an impressive hat-trick at West Ham United. Following the performance, ESPN FC's Mattias Karen revealed his belief that the forward puts Arsenal in contention for the Premier League title:

If he stays fit and firing, they have an excellent chance of sustaining a serious challenge for the trophy, something they've struggled to do in recent years.

On Tuesday, Lucas Perez took the plaudits after netting a hat-trick in the 4-1 win over FC Basel in the UEFA Champions League. While Sanchez did not get on the scoresheet that night, he was still able to show his talents with an assist and some impressive passing:

Bleacher Report UK's James McNicholas hailed his sublime lofted pass to Kieran Gibbs for Perez's first:

Not only is Sanchez clinical in front of goal, but his vision and passing in the final third are also outstanding, perhaps only behind Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla in Arsenal's squad.

Per the Evening Standard's James Olley, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger appears relaxed as the club negotiates with two of its biggest stars:

At the very least, Arsenal should have until the end of the season to tie them down to new deals before each enters the final year of his contract.

It's possible they are waiting to see how the team fares in the league and the Champions League before making a decision—players of their talent should be challenging for top honours each year, and as they're both in their prime, they should be at a club that can provide as much.

Last season aside, Chelsea have been able to offer their players that on a regular basis and will likely do so again under manager Antonio Conte.

Loyalty to the Gunners might prevent Sanchez from signing for the Blues if he does decide to move on, but it's hardly out of the question if they're prepared to offer him better terms and a greater chance of winning major trophies.