Arsenal and Manchester United in race to sign Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez is at the centre of a tug-of-war between Manchester United and Arsenal.

The Barcelona forward is set to leave Spain this summer, alerting Europe’s big guns to his potential availability.

And the Chile international is a target for United and Arsenal as both club’s plot their summer transfer business.

It is understood United are preparing a move worth £22million for the 25-year-old, but the fact they are not in the Champions League next season could prove a stumbling block.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is a huge fan of Sanchez, with the player having been on the club’s radar since 2009 during his time at Udinese.

Arsenal are understood to have registered their interest in Sanchez with Barcelona, who will decide his future after World Cup.