Sanchez’s Champions League ‘dream’ is Wenger’s headache
LONDON: Alexis Sanchez has piled the pressure on Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger by revealing that he is desperate to play in the Champions League.
The Chilean striker stated that it is his ‘dream’ to play Champions League football, something he wouldn’t be able to do with Arsenal this season after they missed out on the top four.
This is likely to alert the likes of Manchester City and Bayern Munich, two clubs who will be in the Champions League, and who have shown interest in bidding for the 28-year-old.
Speaking in his native Chile, Sanchez said: “The decision isn’t only mine, but I have already made a decision. Now I’m waiting for Arsenal to reply and tell me what they want.”
Asked to clarify what he wanted, Sanchez added: “Playing in the Champions League and to win it. It’s a dream I have had since I was a kid.
“For now I’m at Arsenal, my contract ends next year.”
As recently as Friday night, manager Wenger had revealed he was texting Sanchez through the summer to convince him to stay on at Arsenal.
“Of course,” Wenger said when asked if Sanchez would remain an Arsenal player. “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.”
Last week, the Frenchman denied that his star man had asked to leave Arsenal.
The Gunners’ latest contract offer is short of the £300,000 (RM1.68 million) per week value that Sanchez has been seeking, although it does include a 20 per cent increase triggered if Arsenal qualify for the Champions League in the new season. Daily Mail