Alexis Sanchez turned in two disappointing performances for Chile this week (Picture: Getty)

Alexis Sanchez was delighted when he thought his dream move to Manchester City was on the cards, according to his international teammate Mauricio Isla.

Arsenal were reported to have accepted an offer of £60million for the 28-year-old on deadline day, but called the deal off after they were informed of Thomas Lemar’s decision to remain at Monaco.

Sanchez subsequently turned in two disappointing performances for Chile, whose presence at next summer’s World Cup is now under threat following consecutive defeats against Paraguay and Bolivia.

The former Barcelona star has been heavily criticised by his national press but Isla issued a staunch defence of his international teammate and hinted he was distracted by last month’s transfer saga.

Alexis Sanchez struggled to make any impact against Liverpool a fortnight ago (Picture: Getty)

Wenger on Sanchez's mindset

‘I have no doubt about Alexis’ mind and mentality that people question. He needs to come back to full fitness, which he was not at Liverpool.

‘It was his first game. He suffered, he had a negative experience now with Chile but he is strong mentally and hopefully he will be back very quickly to his best.

‘I believe that the transfer market is over and for us it’s important – there was a lot going on, on at that front – so overall it’s very difficult for me to speak about that. The most important for us now is to focus on the next game.

‘Sanchez is here and focuses here.’

‘Alexis is at a top club like Arsenal, but he was very happy to move on to another big club,’ said Isla.

‘After the news came and his situation completely changed, and he wasn’t able to sign the contract, Alexis felt sad and surely that affected him.

‘When Alexis is well, the team is better.’

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