Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits that star performer Alexis Sanchez will remain at the Emirates beyond the end of the current campaign.
The Chilean netted the winner for the Gunners in extra-time as they earned a hard-fought 2-1 win over Manchester City to book their place in the final of the FA Cup.
Arsene Wenger’s side have won the famous old trophy in two of their last seasons, but they face a tougher test in the final this term with league leaders Chelsea eyeing a potential domestic double.
Sanchez, 28, has amassed 24 goals and 14 assists for the north London side this term, and this has heightened speculation over his next move with his Gunners contract due to expire in 14 months’ time.
However, Wenger appears to have diminished any fears over the player’s future by insisting the attacker will stay at the club next season regardless of his current contract situation.
“Alexis Sanchez was like the team,” Wenger is quoted as saying on Sky Sports News.”He had problems to start and became stronger and stronger.
“He is an animal, always ready to kill the opponent. He will never give up. He will be here next year because he has a contract and hopefully we will manage to extend.”
The former Barcelona man is due to hold fresh contract talks during the off-season, and it is suggested that the Gunners could be willing to break the £200,000-a-week barrier at best in order to prolong the forward’s stay.
Manchester City, managed by Catalan tactician Pep Guardiola, are keen on signing the in-form attacker in the summer, but the 28-year-old is nevertheless said to prefer a stay in the English capital with a team possessing a ‘winning mentality‘.
