Manchester City remain confident that Alexis Sanchez will sign for them in 2018.

Sanchez, who is out-of-contract at the end of the season, almost joined City on deadline day when they agreed a deal worth around £60million for the Chilean superstar.

However, Arsenal had too pull the plug on the deal as they could not do a deal for a replacement in time – but City’s interest has not dissipated and likewise Sanchez wants to move to the Etihad.

Football INDEX Watch – ALEXIS SANCHEZ – at £5.62 and back in the top-five

There is clear interest from elsewhere with rivals Chelsea, Paris Saint Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus all keen on Sanchez – but the 28-year-old has made it clear through his representatives that he wants to play for City.

City will again offer Arsenal the chance to sell in January, but if not they will look to seal him on a pre-contract ahead of a possible free transfer in the summer.

Sources close to City have told me they are ‘confident’ that Sanchez will sign for them in 2018.

Pep Guardiola has talked about Sanchez and the failed move in the summer.

“He’s an Arsenal player. His manager had to speak to him,” said Guardiola.

“You know the situation – before the transfer window was open, and now it is closed.

“He’s an Arsenal player and is so important for them, for his talent that he has, you have to try and control him.”

Bookmakers believe that Arsenal will hang on to Sanchez and he is 1/3 to still be at the Emirates once the January window closes.

“Alexis Sanchez is regarded for his persistent running, so it should be no surprise he’s chasing down a move to Man City like a wayward Theo Walcott cross,” said PaddyPower spokesman Lee Price.

“We make the Citizens the favourites to land the Chilean in January. Chile con City, anyone?”

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