Bayern Munich have become the latest European superpower this week to register their interest in Alexis Sánchez, one of those few players at the elite level who looks readily available this summer and capable of making an impact at any of the Champions League big-hitters.

The German club are believed to be prepared to offer €65 million (£55 million) for the 28-year-old who has continued to stall on signing a new contract at Arsenal. The scale of the fee is surprising for a player with just 12 months left on his contract. But, unlike his team-mate Mesut Özil who also may leave, Sánchez is in high demand.

It means that after three years at Arsenal, Sunday’s visit of Manchester United could well be one of the last occasions when the club’s marquee player is tested at home against one of the big guns of English football.

The Chilean is one of those rare talents for whom just about every major European club has weighed up an offer. Bayern have long admired him and, having been eliminated from the Champions League semi-finals last month, are now focusing on next season.