This summer will mark the end of Alexis Sanchez's time as an Arsenal player, according to a report inThe Guardian.
The report - which is also being carried byThe Telegraph-comes just 24 hours after the Chilean forward was dropped by Arsene Wenger for the Gunners' massive clash against Liverpool at Anfield, a move which naturally intensified speculation over the player's future.
According to the report, Sanchez was dropped after a series of arguments with his manager which stem directly from his performance during Arsenal's 5-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League last month.
Could Alexis Sanchez start a player exodus out of Arsenal?#MOTD2 Extra takes a look.
Watch: https://t.co/tLeUaDA1Tg pic.twitter.com/sy4eJKEHf0
Wenger was reportedly furious with Sanchez, "For being selfish, turning on his team-mates both out on the pitch and after the game."
The Telegraph adds that Sanchez "Walked off the training pitch mid-session last week for which a number of his team-mates confronted him in the changing-room."
If true, it will constitute an explosive and unsavoury conclusion to Sanchez's time at Arsenal. Wenger left Sanchez on the bench for the Liverpool in the interest of squad harmony. It must be noted, Sanchez could be seen remonstrating angrily towards Nacho Monreal after coming as a substitute when the full-back's hesitation meant he couldn't latch onto Sanchez's pass.
Sanchez has made clear that he intends to leave in the summer after failing to agree a new deal. Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be clear frontrunners for his signature, and are willing to make him one of the world's highest-paid players with an eye-watering £300k-a-week contract.
I see #AFC are trying to paint Alexis as a villain for being a winner. Similar stories leaked about Rvp & Cesc. https://t.co/tP7pNsY4Ib
When asked about his decision to leave Sanchez out of the starting line-up, Wenger said it was a matter of tactics, rather than a breakdown in his relationship with the former Barcelona star.
"Everyone will come to the same conclusion," said Wenger. "But I am strong enough and lucid enough to analyse the impact.
"I wanted to play two players who were strong in the air and then bring Sanchez on in the second half," Wenger added.
"I don't deny Alexis Sanchez is a great player. A decision like that is not easy to make, you have to stand up for it."
The report from The Mirror also claims that Wenger has agreed in principle terms for a new two-year contract with Arsenal, but is yet to sign it. The Frenchman recently confirmed he is close to making a decision regarding his future.