Alexis Sanchez linked with shock return to Arsenal as contract offer revealed

Alexis Sanchez has been rumoured with a shock return to Arsenal, five years after he left north London.

Sanchez made the controversial switch from the Emirates to Old Trafford in January 2018, forever tarnishing his reputation among many Gunners supporters.

The move proved to be a disappointment, with the Chilean notching just five goals for Manchester United in two seasons - a stark comparison from the 80 he scored across three and a half years at the Emirates.

He was soon shipped off to Inter Milan before moving on to Marseille, where he has rediscovered his form, scoring 18 goals for the Ligue 1 side in all competitions this term.

However, the latest reports have linked the 34-year-old with a sensational return to Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window.

Sanchez to Arsenal?

Chilean journalist Jose Tomas Fernandez Pumarino claims that Marseille have offered Sanchez a fresh contract, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season.

However, the report also states that Arsenal may look to try and re-sign him this summer, if the forward turns down a new contract at the French giants.

Rumours would appear relatively farfetched when considering Sanchez's age compared to Mikel Arteta's youth driven project in north London.

While Arsenal have a wealth of options in attack already, with the likes of Folarin Balogun expected to return to England at the end of the campaign, following a successful loan spell at Reims.

But despite his bitter exit from Arsenal, Sanchez has since expressed his affection for the club, taking to social media to squash any hard feelings.

Replying to Arsenal's Instagram which showed one of his goals during a 3-0 win over Manchester United in the 2015/16 campaign, Sanchez wrote: "You remembered me, I will never forget you too.

"You will always be in my heart. You were my first family in England, and everybody took good care of me especially the fans. All the best Gunners."

So while a reunion looks to be unlikely, it is clear Sanchez has fonder memories of his time at Arsenal than at Manchester United.