SANCHEZ OUT, MALCOM IN...

ARSENE WENGER has targeted £45million-rated Brazilian star Malcom to replace Alexis Sanchez.

Manchester City have held discussions with Arsenal over Sanchez, but have been told the Gunners want a replacement before they will sanction any move.

Manager Wenger likes Bordeaux forward Malcom (above) and has held talks with the French club about signing the 20-year-old this window.

Tottenham and Manchester United are also interested. Wenger left Sanchez on the bench last night at Stamford Bridge and when asked why said: “You cannot explain every decision, that is the decision of the day.

“He is competently focused, he has given a lot recently and is ready to come and play a part.”

Arsenal know there would be a fan backlash if they sold Sanchez without getting a stellar signing themselves, and have drawn up a shortlist which still includes Monaco’s Thomas Lemar.