So it looks like we have now come to a crossroads in the Alexis Sanchez saga, and the Chilean appears to have decided that he wants to throw his toys out of the pram and play Champions League football next season. I wonder who with?
“I want to play in the Champions League,” he is quoted as saying. “The decision isn’t down to me, I need to wait for Arsenal.”
But as Wenger has re-iterated many times, he wants to keep Sanchez even if he doesn’t sign a new contract, and let him leave for free next season if he so desires. But Alexis reckons that he has made his thoughts clear and has not been told by Wenger that he is staying. “I’ve made my decision, now I wait for Arsenal’s reply.” Alexis continued. “The idea is to play in and win the Champions League. It is something that I have dreamed about it since I was little.”
So it looks like this will become a Mexican stand-off. We all know how Arsene feels about honouring contracts, and now we know that Sanchez wants to leave. If it turns into a battle of wits I can only see Wenger winning, but of course the Arsenal Board may have something to say about this….
Our captain Per Mertesacker thinks that our Durcell battery striker should be given more space to consider the options. the BFG said: “I have not spoken to him. He needs a break now. He needs to relax. He has done a lot for us,” Mertesacker said.
“He played almost every game last season and then the Confederations Cup. You need to leave him alone to make up his mind about what he wants to do.”
But the BFG does go on to say that it is not his decision to make this summer, only to decide if he will sign a new contract or not. “He has one more year here and then he makes his mind up. It’s his decision.” the German continued.
But Mertesacker still believes Sanchez will stay at Arsenal, saying: “I am very confident.”
“It’s his decision. If he feels good, comfortable, he can play with freedom. He has his qualities. You cannot find those everywhere.”
So what would you do if you were Wenger? If he forces him to stay then Sanchez may cause unrest in the dressing room, with the other players knowing that he doesn’t have faith in them. It will definitely cause a rift between Wenger and Alexis, but surely he has signed a contract and can be forced to honour it, or could he ‘buy himself out’?
I really don’t know what I would do in Wenger’s situation, but I DO know that this needs to be sorted out quickly….
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