There’s been plenty of rumours about Alexis Sanchez’s future at Arsenal already this season, with several sources understanding that the Gunners star won’t commit to a new long term contract, until he has assurances over wages and ambition.
It’s been a longstanding saga that’s been present at the club ever since the end of the summer transfer window. When it was initially revealed that fellow Arsenal star Mesut Ozil, was in talks with the club about a new deal, it was anticipated that Alexis would then be up next on the negotiations list. Alexis was rumoured to be wanting a wage similar to the best paid players in the world, putting him at around the £200,000-£250,000 a week mark.
It’s understood that Arsenal, quite rightly in my opinion, weren’t willing to match such a demand, especially as the club has always had a strong ethos on not breaking the bank. It is vital that we keep hold of our best stars, but if it’s true that Alexis is willing to allow money to get in the way of things at Arsenal, then it’s disappointing from a fan favourite of the club.
As a result of the supposed ‘ongoing tensions’ over the contract negotiations, it has been reported in the media that a number of clubs are looking at the Chilean international, with Inter Milan the latest side to take a fancy to the winger-turned striker.
First of all, if Alexis is remaining firm on his passion for the game and ambition being the highest of all qualities, then surely a move to Inter Milan isn’t the most logical. For that reason I don’t really believe this rumour. He’s already played in Seria A with Udinese and at a peak age in his career, I can’t see him wanting to go back to Italy.
In addition to this, a number of English papers are today reporting that Alexis’ agent has considered the possibility of going to the Chinese Super League. The reports suggest that Alexis’ believes he could pocket up to £300k per week, making him one of the very best paid players in the world.
There is no doubt that Alexis would be absolutely no match for the defenders in the Chinese League, but in terms of ambition, again it just won’t be enough for Alexis Sanchez. For that reason again, I can’t see this being a realistic move for the Chilean.
Alexis prides himself on working hard to be a the top level he can be on a consistent basis. The guy holds a passion and drive that you rarely see in modern day footballers, with determination to be on the ball at every opportunity. Such qualities make him very ambitious and one of the reasons as to why he would supposedly consider a move away from Arsenal, would be because he doesn’t feel the Gunners are showing enough ambition. It would therefore be pretty silly to imagine Alexis wanting to go to play in the Chinese League, when he’s at his current peak in European football.
Hopefully though Alexis comes to terms with the Arsenal officials and agrees a new deal with the Gunners to keep him at the Emirates for the long term future.
By AH