Skipper: Leave Sanchez alone

London – Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez (above) should be left alone to decide his future, captain Per Mertesacker has said, as speculation continues to mount over the Chilean’s future.

Sanchez, who was their top scorer last season with 24 league goals in 38 matches, is entering the final year of his contract.

“He needs a break now,” Mertesacker told reporters during the club’s pre-season tour. “He has done a lot for us. He played almost every game last season and then the Confederations Cup.

“You need to leave him alone to make up his own mind. It’s his decision. If he feels good, comfortable, he can play with freedom.”

Mertesacker is entering the final season of his playing career at Arsenal as he prepares to become the club’s academy manager next year and the German is eager to finish on a high.

“I want to make the most of it,” he told the club’s website. “I want to stay injury free, be an option for the manager to get picked every weekend. That’s the target. To make it as enjoyable as I can.

“As long as I am there I want to play and contribute.”

Arsenal won both their pre-season friendlies in Australia and are currently in China, where they will play German champions Bayern Munich tomorrow and Premier League champions Chelsea on Saturday.