Manchester United confident of holding off late Chelsea interest to sign Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez

Chelsea made their interest known on Monday afternoon, and are willing to capitalise in any breakdown in talks

Alexis Sanchez is at the centre of a battle for his signature (Getty)

Alexis Sanchez’s move to Manchester United is “75 per cent complete”, according to sources close to negotiations, and the Old Trafford hierarchy are confident of holding off any late interest from Chelsea to sign the Chilean from Arsenal this week.

The champions have asked about Sanchez’s demands through intermediaries and would be willing to capitalise on any breakdown, although there is a belief United are now too far ahead despite “complicated” negotiations with Arsenal.

One issue that has arisen is over whether United pay the full £35m or Henrikh Mkhitaryan goes the other way with cash, but the Armenian would prefer a return to Borussia Dortmund and there is still some distance in wage positions between the Armenian and officials at the Emirates.

Manchester City pulled out of any negotiations on Sunday night. To illustrate how tough Arsenal have been, it is understood that they did initially ask for Anthony Martial plus cash, but that was a non-starter for United. They now want £30m plus Mkhitaryan.

United are still offering the best financial package, and those close to proceedings believe that Sanchez’s attachment to Pep Guardiola has been overplayed, but there is a slight concern at Old Trafford over whether the Chilean might wish to remain in London. Chelsea made their interest known on Monday afternoon, and are willing to capitalise in any breakdown.

The broad terms are however agreed between United and the player, and he will wear the No 7 jersey if he joins. There remains a confidence at Old Trafford that they can get the deal done.

Arsenal are themselves close to beating Tottenham Hotspur to the signing of Malcom from Bordeaux, the man they have identified as Alexis Sanchez’s replacement.