Alexis Sanchez is a top target for Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is reportedly looking increasingly likely to make a bid for Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez in the summer transfer window.

The Chile international is at the forefront of Conte’s summer plans, as the Italian is desperate to land a top class forward ideal for his 3-4-3 formation.

Conte views Sanchez as a perfect fit for one of the wide-forward roles behind a central striker, though he’s also shown he can play up front to good effect for much of this season.

Arsenal are highly reluctant to sell to one of their Premier League rivals and have avoided losing star names to direct title competitors since letting Robin van Persie join Manchester United in 2012.

Sanchez’s contract expires at the end of next season (Picture: Getty)

Played for both in the Premier League

Emmanuel Petit (Arsenal 1997–2000 / Chelsea 2001–2004)
Nicolas Anelka (Arsenal 1997–1999 / Chelsea 2008–2012)
Ashley Cole (Arsenal 1999–2006 / Chelsea 2006–2014)
William Gallas (Chelsea 2001–2006 / Arsenal 2006–2010)
Lassana Diarra (Chelsea 2005–2007 / Arsenal 2007–2008)
Yossi Benayoun (Chelsea 2010–2013 / Arsenal on loan 2011–2012)
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal 2003–2011 / Chelsea 2014–present)
Petr Cech (Chelsea 2004–2015 / Arsenal 2015–present)

Still, Arsenal may miss out on a Champions League place this season as they head into the final day with the situation out of their hands as they rely on an unlikely slip up from Liverpool at home to Middlesbrough.

Antonio Conte is a huge admirer of the Arsenal forward (Picture: Getty)

According to the Independent, Sanchez could be persuaded to stay at the Emirates Stadium if they do qualify for the top four, but Chelsea could be in a strong position to swoop for him if they don’t.

Arsenal's remaining fixtures

Everton (H) - Sun 21 May
Chelsea - FA Cup (N) - Sat 27 May

The former Barcelona man is eager to remain in London, where he is enjoying life due to the relative anonymity the size of the city affords him, but he may have to wait to move to Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal would rather lose Sanchez on a free next summer when his contract runs out instead of selling to Chelsea, but it remains to be seen how high the Blues could bid for him as they make him a top target for this year.

MORE : Arsenal told to pay £30m for Prem star

MORE : Antonio Conte hits back at Chelsea legend after title dig