A couple weeks ago, Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez said he knows where his future lies, but he refused to reveal which club. He’s been a reported target of Manchester City and Bayern Munich, and speculation he could leave the Emirates only increased when Arsenal broke the club transfer fee record to acquire Lyon striker Alexnadre Lacazette.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger gave some clues into the short and long term future of Sanchez today when he met the media in Australia. Wenger told reporters that outlets in Chile were wrong in their claims that Sanchez told Wenger he wants to leave.
“No,” Wenger responded when asked if Sanchez gave him a transfer request. He then elaborated further:
“Nobody knows today if Sanchez will be in the final year of his contract next season, because he can as well 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 with Arsenal.”
Wenger was speaking at a media opportunity that kicked off the Gunners preseason exhibition tour of Australia and the Far East. According to Joe Prince-Wright of NBC Sports, Wenger didn’t sell the idea that Alexis Sanchez is staying at the North London club very well. The NBC article says of Wenger, “the way he spoke in Sydney, Australia, there wasn’t too much conviction in his voice.”
Given the drama that unfolded this past season between Wenger and Sanchez, it is a bit difficult to believe that the Chilean will be with the club for the long haul, but you can likely cross Bayern off his list of potential destinations after today.
With the Bundesliga super power acquiring Real Madrid man James Rodriguez for a two year loan deal today, they are likely out of the running for Sanchez.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV .
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