Arsenal have pulled the plug on Manchester City’s deal for Alexis Sanchez after they failed to land Thomas Lemar.

After extensive talks, Arsenal had accepted an offer worth up to £60million – but they told City all along they wanted to bring a replacement in.

With City unwilling to send Raheem Sterling to The Emirates as part of the deal, Arsenal looked elsewhere and were left resurrecting their interest in Lemar – a player they have already seen a number of bids turned down for this summer.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said Monaco had closed the door on him, but now they hoped a new bid in excess of £90million would be enough – but Monaco have said no.

Arsenal sources have now told us that they will not be signing Lemar, which means Sanchez will be staying.

Bookmakers have reacted quickly and Sanchez is now odds-on to remain with Arsenal.

“The odds of Sanchez to City have lengthened dramatically and it now appears certain that he’s staying at Arsenal – 8/13,” PaddyPower spokesman Lee Price told TheGamblingTimes.com.

“City are out to 11/10 to go to the Blues.”

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