Gunners shun City Sanch bid

ARSENAL have rejected an approach for Alexis Sanchez from Manchester City as Pep Guardiola steps up his pursuit of the Chile forward.

It is understood that the Gunners are intent on keeping Sanchez despite strong interest from City, who are widely reported to have tabled a £50million offer.

Sanchez has entered the final year of his contract at the Emirates Stadium and Arsenal's resolve is being tested by their Premier League rivals ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline.

It is understood that West Brom have agreed a fee to take Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs to the Hawthorns, but it is the future of Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain that will really occupy the minds of Gunners fans.

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City continue to appear the likely destination should Sanchez depart, while England international Oxlade-Chamberlain has a couple of suitors. According to the BBC, Chelsea have agreed a £40million fee with Arsenal for Oxlade-Chamberlain but the 24-year-old has turned down a move to Stamford Bridge as he wants to join Liverpool.

With just two days remaining before the transfer deadline at 11pm BST on Thursday, the pair could yet complete their moves.

Meanwhile, returning winger Patrick Roberts hopes Celtic can spring a surprise on their Champions League rivals by booking a slot in the last 16.

The 20-year-old has convinced Manchester City bosses to allow him to return to Parkhead for a second loan spell after his part in last year's 'Invincibles' triumph.

Roberts said: "Being in the Champions League gives us players a big buzz and I can't wait to get started."