Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez looks set to see out his contract for another 12 months, but latest reports reveal he could have forced a bargain departure this summer.

The Chilean international could have made himself a free agent ahead of the new season by implementing the Webster ruling, named after the ex-Hearts defender Andy Webster.

The ruling states any player who signed a deal under the age of 28 can buy themselves out of the remaining length of the contract three years after signing it.

Sanchez signed a four-year deal with Arsenal as a 25-year-old and now enters the final year of the contract. He could legally implement the Webster rule and buy himself out to leave Arsenal.

The Mirror states: “The player would have to notify the club of his intent inside a two week-window after the final competitive game of the season, which has obviously expired, followed by a compensation fee to be decided at a later date.”

“Any compensation, according to Article 17, due to Arsenal in this case would be decided by several factors, including the outstanding salary, but crucially not the market rate.”