Bayern Munich president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has suggested that his side are no longer interested in signing Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal.
The Bavarians were rumoured to be in a head-to-head battle with Manchester City for the Chile international during the summer, at a time when his future appeared certain to be away from the Emirates Stadium.
Sanchez remained in North London but, with his contract due to expire at the end of the campaign, clubs are understood to be lining up to tempt him into a Bosman transfer.
Bayern appear unlikely to rival City for the 28-year-old's signature in the New Year, however, as Rummenigge expects him to move elsewhere.
"I think Sanchez has already decided which club [to join], so I suppose that the door will be closed in January," he told Sky Germany. "That's not an issue, and he is no direct substitute for Robert Lewandowski as he is not a real centre forward."
Bayern have also been tipped to move for fellow Arsenal forwards Alexandre Lacazette and Danny Welbeck in recent days.
Daniel Lewis
