Sanchez to push for a move to title rivals
BUT WENGER INSISTS HE’LL STAY
ALEXIS SaNchEz is ready to turn his back on arsenal and force a move through to chelsea or Manchester city. Sportsmail understands representatives working on behalf of the chilean have met officials from arsenal’s Premier League rivals with a view to a sensational summer move.
The Gunners are adamant they will not sell Sanchez to a domestic rival. Bayern Munich and Juventus are also contenders for his signature.
But arsene Wenger insisted last night that Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, whose arsenal future is also uncertain, would be staying at the club. Wenger said he would be willing to let their contracts run down rather than sell. ‘ They will stay at the club and hopefully we can extend their contracts,’ Wenger told website BeIN SPORTS.
‘You cannot weaken the club and weaken the team. You want to strengthen the team. Unless you find a player of the same calibre.
‘When you sign a contract somewhere, you commit to give your best until the end of the last day of your contract. I would say, why should they not give their best?’
It has not stopped Sanchez from exploring his options in England, however. Sources insist Sanchez has not made a final decision on his future but arsenal, it seems, are facing an uphill battle to keep their star forward.
Sportsmail revealed last week that the club have offered their star man a deal in the region of £270,000 a week. Sanchez, though, wants a minimum of £300,000 and knows he can get that at city or chelsea.
Money isn’t the only issue for Sanchez. The South american is desperate to join a club that can challenge for top honours. Despite arsenal’s Fa cup triumph, Sanchez is understood to be dubious about arsenal’s chances of mounting a serious challenge in the Premier League next season.
arsenal hope the promise of topquality signings and an offer closer to £300,000 a week can persuade him to stay.
Sources close to city suggested yesterday the club believe they are in a position of strength, buoyed by indications that a move north would not be a problem for Sanchez.
Sporting director Txiki Begiristain has the responsibility of thrashing out a deal which, if completed, would see Sanchez become city’s top earner.
Meanwhile, Monaco defender Benjamin Mendy was last night hopeful a £39million switch to the Etihad Stadium will be agreed this month.
city sources stressed that no deal has been struck but Sportsmail understands Mendy has his heart set on the North West should Monaco allow him to leave.