Arsene Wenger has reiterated his stance on keeping Alexis Sanchez this season, irrespective of the Chilean signing a new contract or not as the player enters the final year of his existing contract, reports the Telegraph. The Chilean attacker was pictured back in training in an open session for the fans at the Emirates Stadium ahead of Sunday’s Charity Shield against rivals Chelsea, Wenger said he had a discussion with the player concerning his future, although he maintained that to divulge them would be “suicide”.
Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger remains defiant on Alexis future, and does not mind the player running down his contract and leaving on a free next summer.
Wenger on his discussion with Sanchez as quoted said,
“I will not give anything away on that but the only thing I can tell you is that he is focused, and my decision is clear: he will stay and he will respect that. It is as simple as that.”
However, Sanchez is looking unlikely to start the game against the Blues with the player lacking in match fitness and rhythm he can start from the bench. German playmaker, Mesut Ozil missed training with an ankle injury while Welsh midfielder, Aaron Ramsey has a muscle injury but the duo are expected to be available for the game on Sunday against the Premier League champions.
Sanchez scored 30 goals for the Gunners in all competitions last season and provided 19 assists, Wenger holding on to his key player makes perfect sense, he believes the Chilean attacker would be key in their bid to return to the Champions League next season and in their hunt for trophies.