Sanchez situation soon to be resolved, says Wenger

– Arsene Wenger confirmed he expects Alexis Sanchez’s future to be resolved imminently after the Arsenal forward was left out of his side’s 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth.

Sanchez, who becomes a free agent at the end of this season, is a target for Manchester United and Manchester City who came close to signing the Chilean in the last transfer window.

United have emerged as strong contenders because of their willingness to meet Arsenal’s £35 million asking price, with the possibility of Henrikh Mkhitaryan being included as part of any deal.

Wenger insists all options remain open, but felt unable to select the player for the visit to the Vitality Stadium on Sunday although he insisted Sanchez was willing to play.

“Alexis would have played,” said the Arsenal manager. “But it’s a difficult period for him. He’s always been committed until now but he could have moved yesterday, today or not.

“It will be decided in the next 48 hours. It was a bit difficult for him because he was on stand-by. That’s why I decided not to do it. He did not refuse to play.”

Wenger, who criticised his side’s lack of cutting edge as they squandered a number of chances before allowing Bournemouth to recover from falling behind to Hector Bellerin’s opening goal to win through strikes from Callum Wilson and Jordon Ibe, insisted he would recruit a new forward if Sanchez left.

“If he goes, we have of course to respond to it. Will he go or not, I don’t know, but at the moment, it’s transfer period and in this kind of period, you try to use the players who are completely focused on being at the club.”

Arsenal have been linked with a £35 million move for Bordeaux forward Malcom but Wenger refused to confirm his interest in the Brazilian.

“No. There is nothing concrete there,” he said. – AFP