Arturo Vidal to Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez 'convincing' Chile team-mate to make Gunners move this summer

Sanchez is close friends with the Juve midfielder

Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal during Chile training (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal will make a £21m move for Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal this summer, after his friend and Chile team-mate Alexis Sanchez "convinced" him to join the Gunners, according to reports.

The pair are currently away at the Copa America with Chile, and reports in Spain suggest that Vidal is open to a transfer to north London.

Sanchez had offered support to Chile's captain Vidal after he was recently charged with drink-driving after smashing his Ferrari while at the tournament, which is being hosted in Chile.

"We are a family and we are there to support him," the 28-year-old Gunners forward had said. "All the players were with him."

"The important thing is that Arturo, his wife and everyone else are well. The case of Arturo should now close and we can concentrate on the Copa America."

Sanchez had also defended his team-mate after the incident by posting pictures of them together on both Twitter and Instagram.

Chile face Peru on Monday in the semi-final of the competition.