Alexis Sanchez is confirmed to be joining up with the Arsenal squad on Sunday, but will he be in the right state of mind?
There has been much speculation surrounding the Chilean midfielder’s future since the end of the season, with many claims that he was keen on an exit, with Champions League football a must.
Despite the claims, many potential suitors for his signature have pulled out of the race to sign him, leaving possibly Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus as his only realistic options outside England.
Arsene Wenger has remained adamant that his star player will not be leaving the club, with him even repeating that statement last week while claiming the club have no need to sell for financial reasons, and he has now revealed that Alexis will join up with the squad for training on Sunday.
This will leave him, and Shkodran Mustafi, only one week to try and prepare themselves for the Community Shield encounter with Chelsea on August 6 at Wembley, with the pair having returned late to pre-season due to their obligations for Germany and Chile at the Confederations Cup.
Last week, Wenger not only claimed that Sanchez was going to stay, but that he had not asked to leave the club, and should have no problem returning to the club for the new campaign, but the French boss is hard to read at the best of times.
It will be a big deal to see the 29 year-old back in training at the weekend, and his manner at London Colney will of course be studied by many, with the press bound to be keeping a close eye on his attitude
I would expect him to return with a professional head on his shoulders regardless of his intentions to stay or go, but if he has has his head turned by Manchester City, then there is a chance that he could try and cause trouble in order to persuade the club to allow him to move on.
Will Alexis be professional on his return? Will Sanchez be at the club on September 1? Does he want to leave this summer?
Pat J