Arsene Wenger has declared that Alexis Sanchez will remain at Arsenal despite widespread links to Manchester City this summer.
As reported by The Sun, Arsene Wenger has continued to remain adamant that star forward Alexis Sanchez will remain at Arsenal beyond the summer transfer window even as the Chile international has entered the final year of his contract at the Emirates.
“The players have contracts and we expect them to respect them,” Wenger said before adding that Sanchez will never be allowed to leave for a Premier League club. “It is a continuation of what I said last season, that we wouldn’t sell him to a Premier League club.”
“Nobody knows today if Sanchez will be in the final year of his contract, because he can extend his contract with us at the start of the season or during the season. So it’s not necessarily the last year of his contract at Arsenal football club,” Wenger added.
Arsene Wenger on Alexis Sánchez: “It is not necessarily the last year of his contract at Arsenal Football Club.” pic.twitter.com/pmniDVpgrc
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) July 12, 2017
Wenger’s comments will come as a huge blow for Manchester City, who have been in hot pursuit of the Chilean forward in recent weeks. Pep Guardiola currently has the likes of David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane at his disposal for three positions behind the striker.
The Manchester City boss, though, is reportedly eager to boost his options further by the acquisition of Sanchez, who can undoubtedly add a lot of quality at Etihad. The player, too, is believed to be enticed by the prospect of working alongside Guardiola, although he is not pushing for a summer exit.
Wenger, though, is firm that Sanchez will not leave Arsenal in the summer transfer window, and especially not for a fellow Premier League title rival. The Gunners, meanwhile, have made several attempts to get the 28-year-old to pen a new deal, despite making several offers for a bumper renewal.
Sanchez remains one of the most important figures at Emirates after enjoying the most productive season of his senior career. The player scored 30 goals in addition to providing 19 assists in 51 matches across all competitions.
And it goes without saying that his prolific contributions can go a long way in ensuring a successful campaign in the 2017/18 season. Thus, Wenger continues to make statements of intent for the forthcoming season following the acquisition of Alexandre Lacazette.
It now remains to be seen if the Arsenal boss can keep hold of Sanchez beyond the summer transfer. If he succeeds in doing so, the Gunners could be set for an exciting season.