BOSS UPBEAT OVER SANCHEZ FUTURE

ARSENE WENGER is “positive” Alexis Sanchez will stay after swapping text messages with the Arsenal star.

Wenger revealed that Sanchez has left him convinced he will not quit the Gunners this summer, despite the long-running contract stand-off.

Manchester City are desperate to sign Sanchez, as the Chile forward has only 12 months left on his current deal and is holding out for £400,000 a week.

But Wenger, who has given Sanchez another fortnight off, is convinced he will remain.

Asked if he thought the 28-year-old would stay, he said: “Of course. There is not a lot to resolve at the moment with the player. I have spoken through text and it was very positive. My thoughts are always positive.”

Wenger has told Sanchez (above) and the other players involved in the Confederations Cup and Euro Under-21s to report back on July 30.

And he insists Sanchez could be ready to play in Arsenal’s opening game of the season, against Leicester on August 11.

The Gunners boss added: “Usually, you need three weeks, but they will have a programme they have to follow and can be involved after one week to 10 days.

“They can be in the squad and play in part of games.

They could be involved in the Leicester game, of course.”