Sevilla head coach Jorge Sampaoli admits he would relish the opportunity to work with Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez.

Sanchez's future at Arsenal is uncertain with the 28-year-old yet to sign an extension on his contract, which expires in 15 months, though Arsene Wenger has insisted it will be up to Arsenal as to whether Sanchez stays at the club.

Sampaoli worked with Sanchez during his time in charge of the Chile national side, and ahead of Sevilla's Champions League last-16 second leg against Leicester City, he revealed he would be keen on a reunion with the player.

"If only, yes, it would be great to have the chance one day [to coach Sanchez]," said Sampaoli. "He is a top, top player. One of the best forwards in the world I would say.

"I was lucky to share a time with him in the national team. We went to a World Cup together, we won the Copa America with him in the side as well, it was a very satisfying period of my career and it was great to share it with Alexis."

Sanchez has 15 months remaining on his Arsenal contract

Sanchez was taken off as the Gunners crashed out of the Champions League with a 10-2 aggregate defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the last-16 round and was criticised after being photographed laughing with Petr Cech on the bench.

Sampaoli insisted Sanchez - who has scored 21 goals in 37 appearances for Arsenal this season - remains integral to the Premier League club's hopes of turning their form around.

"He is one of the best strikers in the world and, irrespective of the fact his team aren't going through a good patch of form at the moment, I think they have the right kind of player there who can change things for them," he added.

"Hopefully, they depend on him to change things around in that team."