Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that Alexis Sanchez will not be sold this summer, reports Sky Sports.
What’s the word?
Sanchez’s future at the Emirates remains shrouded in doubt as he is yet to put pen to paper on a new contract.
Widespread reports have suggested that wage demands have played a big role in the stalemate, while the Gunners’ lack of Champions League football this season may also be an issue.
The Chile international recently told Radio Sport in his homeland that he wants to play in the elite European competition.
Arsenal can only offer the Europa League this season, but Wenger has played down the speculation that his star player could leave.
Sky Sports quotes the Frenchman as saying:
“The decision has been made and we will stick to that. The decision is not to sell. I don’t give too much importance to things that are translated, you know. The whole interview that I got didn’t really mean that.”
Manchester City and Chelsea have been among the clubs rumoured to be interested in Sanchez, but it is Paris Saint-Germain who are in the driving seat to sign him, according to The Telegraph.
Is Wenger making the right call?
If the Arsenal manager sticks to his word and refuses to sell Sanchez, then there could be trouble ahead.
The 28-year-old’s current contract will expire at the end of the upcoming season, so if Wenger does not accept a bid this summer, his player could leave for nothing in a year’s time.
A player of Sanchez’s calibre should not be allowed to leave a club without a substantial fee coming in return.
In addition, Wenger’s stubbornness could backfire on the pitch, as the Chilean may take a stand and refuse to play if he is denied a move away from the club.
Even if he does play, the mood of the dressing room could change as they know that Sanchez may not be fully committed to the cause.
