Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez is a transfer target for PSG Getty

Paris Saint-Germain have stepped up their interest in Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez in the event of their star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic leaving after the end of the season. The Chilean has been in brilliant form for the Gunners since moving from Barcelona in 2014 and has scored 12 goals in all competitions for Arsene Wenger's side while assisting 10.

AS Chile reckons that PSG have identified Alexis as an ideal replacement for the outgoing Swede, who has confirmed that he does not want to stay in Paris beyond the end of the current season. Sanchez, who can play on either side, would allow Edinson Cavani to operate through the middle while he can provide the attacking impetus from out wide.

PSG are aware that it will be very difficult to prise Sanchez away from Arsenal where he is likely to be handed a new contract after the end of the season to fend off interest from other clubs. The Parisians have already won the Ligue 1 by a record margin and are looking to strengthen their team in a bid to challenge for the Champions League.

Meanwhile, the Gunners will be loath to let go of their marquee signing, but their inability to pose a proper title challenge this season can act to their detriment. The Gunners were top of the table in January, but failed to take advantage of their position, as they went through two spells of three games each in the league, taking only three points from the aforementioned six games.

As a result, the north London club is currently 11 points behind leaders Leicester City and four behind Tottenham Hotspur, albeit having a game in hand. Meanwhile, defender Per Mertesacker believes that the Gunners can still have a say on the title if they can win their remaining seven games.

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