Arsene Wenger Confident Alexis Sanchez Will Stay
Reuters / Tony O’Brien
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is confident that Alexis Sanchez will stay in North London, as he stated so during a post-match interview after his men beat Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday.
The Chilean’s future has been up in the air since last December. The contract rebel is rumoured to have been asking a pay cheque of £400,000 per week, which the Gunners are reluctant to offer.
Consequently, this caught the eye of Europe’s elite, with Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain being the top contenders for the winger’s signature.
Though the North London club suffered a rocky run during the previous campaign, Sanchez enjoyed a fruitful season, scoring 30 goals and providing 13 assists across all competitions, and becoming the club’s top scorer and the player of the season of the 2016/17 season.
Meanwhile, there was speculation of the mercurial forward being unhappy at the Emirates. However, the Gunners boss has denied such claims, and has insisted that the player will stay, during a recent interview.
Wenger stated: “Of course (he will stay). There is not a lot to resolve with the player. I have spoken through text and it was very positive. My thoughts are always positive.”
REUTERS/Martin Acosta
Ironically, Sanchez had a vague statement to make about his future to Chile’s Radio Sport, quoting: “I have made my decision, but now the decision has to be taken by Arsenal. It depends on them. I have to wait to know what they want. My idea is to play and win the Champions League. It’s a dream I have had since I was little.”
The Chilean international has had an extended international campaign with Chile, and still hasn’t joined up with rest of the Arsenal squad on their pre-season tour, adding further doubts about his stay.
On the other hand, Sanchez’s fellow contract-rebel Mesut Ozil has stated his wishes to continue his career under Wenger. Furthermore, the French manager also revealed that Jack Wilshere will be staying in North London, despite interests from Sampdoria.
Wenger will certainly be keen on keeping all of his star players going into the new season. The stay of Sanchez and Ozil, along with the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon, would mean Arsenal will be offering a tough title challenge, and will be hoping to take the league by storm come August.
Written by Ashish Sreejith 
Have had two addictions in life- playing football and watching football. Usually described as introverted but not when it comes to speaking and writing about the beautiful game of football.
