Bayern have reportedly been dealt a blow in their pursuit for Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez, with the Gunners breaking their wage ceiling to keep their top scorer at the Emirates Stadium.

According to German publication Bild, Arsenal are prepared to offer more than €20 million-a-year to the Chilean international in order to retain his services.

Bayern Munich are believed to have have made contact with the 28-year-old’s agent but havent made notable progress. Robert Lewandowski is the current top earner in Bayern and there is no possibility for the Germans to match Arsenal’s offer to Sanchez as it would impact on their salary structure.

Arsenal missed out on a top-four spot in the Premier League this season and can only offer Europa League football, but the Londoners are financially in a much better position than Bayern. Arsenal’s their wage structure can withstand the alleged £330,000-a-week deal to keep the former Barcelona man happy.

This news will certainly please many Arsenal fans, but Manchester City and Chelsea may yet try to pinch the coveted forward this summer. The two Premier League giants have the lucrative finances to blow the Gunners out of the water, so Sanchez’s future remains up in the air.