Arsene Wenger has finally admitted that Alexis Sanchez may be unlikely to sign a new contract, but the Gunners are ready to take any financial hit that may come by losing him on a free transfer next summer.
Sanchez is entering into the final 12 months of his deal, and there has been plenty of interest from Manchester City and Paris St Germain for his services.
Both clubs are prepared to pay £50 million for the player who was signed from Barcelona for £35 million in 2014.
The 28-year-old has been key for Arsenal in the last three years, but he has publicly voiced his opinion about the lack of Champions League football this season.
His wage demands are also thought to be another issue, as Sanchez is demanding close to £300,000 per week. Arsenal have reportedly offered him only around £220,000 per week. Wenger said:
“He (Sanchez) is a player who goes into the final year of his contract. We have not progressed on that front.
“Let’s not be wrong, it’s not an ideal situation on the financial side and it demands some sacrifice.”
In the past, the Gunners have opted to take the money instead of letting players leave on a free transfer. This may not be required at the moment, as Wenger suggests that Arsenal will ask the player to honour his contract and then let him leave on a free next year.
Sanchez who currently earns £140,000-a-week scored 30 goals for Arsenal in the 2016-17 campaign, but Wenger may not be able to extract the same performance from him this season knowing that his commitment is not really at 100%.
After failing to finish in the top four last season, Arsenal are involved in the Europa League. Manchester United were able to reach the Champions League group stages for this season by winning this competition, and it still may not be a huge negative for Arsenal.
