#INSERT type:image caption:Alexis Sanchez impressed for Chile during the 2014 World Cup before his side were knocked out by hosts Brazil. END#
Arsenal remain confident of pushing through a 30 million-pound deal for Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez and expect to complete the signing of Newcastle defender Mathieu Debuchy later this week, according to the Press Association.
- McNicholas: No need for Arsenal transfer panic
- Transfer Talk: Hart faces battle at City
Sanchez is understood to have instructed his representatives to attempt to complete negotiations with the Gunners after deciding against offers from both Liverpool and Juventus.
Sources have told ESPN FC that Liverpool have admitted defeat in their attempts to sign the Chile international as part of an exchange deal for Luis Suarez, leaving the Gunners favourites for his signature.
Some of the Arsenal squad, including Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, had their first preseason fitness training session at London Colney on Tuesday afternoon under the watchful eye of assistant manager Steve Bould, with Arsene Wenger still out at the World Cup on media duty for French TV.
Carl Jenkinson was another put through his paces, and the right-back is expected to face competition for a starting place from Debuchy next season after the defender confirmed talks are taking place with the Gunners.
The France international is set to finalise the formalities of his 10 million-pound switch from Newcastle in the coming days, with suggestions a medical has already been completed.
There was positive news from the Gunners camp on Tuesday as Abou Diaby, a long-term injury absentee last season, was able to take part in the fitness sessions and could yet prove an asset for Wenger next season.#INSERT type:inline END#
Arsenal's players will return to preseason training on a staggered basis following the World Cup -- with Germany trio Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski all out in Brazil for the duration.
Despite Wenger not being on site, Arsenal have remained busy in their summer recruitment drive: defensive cover is needed following the departure of Bacary Sagna to Manchester City on a free transfer after lifting the FA Cup at Wembley, while goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has joined Swansea.
The signing of Sanchez, though, would present another major move by the Gunners, who smashed their transfer record at the end of last year's summer window to bring in Ozil from Real Madrid.
A defensive midfielder is also said to be on Wenger's wanted list, with Lars Bender at Bayer Leverkusen a long-term target.
Arsenal also released several players at the end of their contracts, including Nicklas Bendtner. The Denmark forward has several options, reported to be both from within the Premier League as well as European sides.
Arsenal step up their preseason schedule in New York at the end of the month ahead of hosting the Emirates Cup and the FA Community Shield against Manchester City at Wembley on Aug. 10.