Wenger: Sanchez will find form fast
ARSENE WENGER believes Alexis Sanchez will be “back very quickly to his best” after the forward stayed at Arsenal despite being heavily linked with a summer departure.
The Chile international, who has less than a year remaining on his Gunners contract, was the subject of a deadlineday bid from Manchester City after months of speculation that he was a target for Pep Guardiola.
It was reported that Arsenal agreed a fee with Manchester City for Sanchez to leave, but that the deal collapsed because the north London club were unable to complete the signing of Monaco winger Thomas Lemar in time.
Sanchez cut a forlorn figure in the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool prior to the international break, and endured more misery with Chile in the World Cup qualifiers.
But Wenger has backed him to shine again this term. He said: “I have no doubt about Alexis’ mind and mentality that people question.
“He needs to come back to full fitness, which he was not at Liverpool. It was his first game.
“He had a negative experience now with Chile, but he is strong mentally and hopefully he will be back very quickly to his best.
“Sanchez is here and focuses here. After that, I believe as well we have to keep a certain confidentiality about the transfer negotiations.”
Asked whether Lemar had turned down a move because he did not want to play for Arsenal, Wenger replied: “It’s not true. He decided to stay in Monaco, yes, and you have to respect that.”
Sanchez is expected back from international duty today and should keep his place for tomorrow’s league visit of Bournemouth.