Gunners sweat on Sanchez
HIGH STAKES Wenger is desperate to keep Sanchez have been chasing the striker and Etihad keeper Claudio Bravo, who plays with Sanchez for Chile, said: “If he decides to go, we’ll wait for him with open arms at City.”
Just 24 hours before Sanchez’s Instagram message, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger confirmed when he would be back in training following an extended break.
Arsenal were aware of the situation having been in contact with the player and his representatives and are adamant his return date remains unchanged and plans for his pre-season schedule would only be altered once he is assessed.
The 28-year-old has only 12 months left on his deal and talks on a new one have stalled. He told friends he wants to leave and said this month: “I’ve already taken my decision, but now I depend on Arsenal and to see what they want.”
Wenger maintains Sanchez is staying, but City are determined to test Arsenal’s resolve.
Ex-Gunners striker Alan Smith believes it might be best to let him leave.
He said: “Alexis Sanchez is a big shadow hanging over the Emirates.
“Arsene Wenger says he’s determined not to sell him, but he seems determined to leave.
“If you have an unhappy player, a bit like Philippe Coutinho at Liverpool, that’s not a great situation. For me, it’s a no-brainer: you have to let him go, get the money and move on.
“What the owners would think about keeping a player you could get £60million for and then letting him go for nothing in 12 months’ time, I don’t know.
“It happens time and time again at Arsenal.” FROM BACK PAGE