Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has reaffirmed that Alexis Sanchez will be plying his trade for the Gunners during the 2017/18 season. The manager also insists that Paris Saint-Germain have no chance of signing the Chilean during this summer’s transfer window.
Sanchez, 28, has been linked with the likes of Manchester City and Bayern Munich since the end of last season, and Paris Saint-Germain joined his pursuit last week after sporting director Antero Henrique was spotted in a hotel in Paris, where he made contact with the forward.
Shortly after, Sky Sports claimed that Les Parisiens would lodge a £35m bid to test the Gunners’ resolve, but Wenger appears to have dismissed the speculation by insisting that the player was not in Paris altogether.
He added that the French giants may have shifted their focus to Barcelona’s Neymar as they very well know the Chilean is not for sale in the transfer window.
“No, I don’t think he was in Paris. No. Paris Saint-Germain cannot get Sanchez so they go for Neymar. I read (French newspaper) L’Equipe in the last three or four days. It has moved from Sanchez to Neymar,” he is quoted on the club’s official website.
While Sanchez who earns £140,000-a-week on his current contract, continues to be linked with a Emirates exit, Wenger insists that his stance remained unchanged over the situation, and the 28-year-old is not available in the transfer market.
He added: “Today they speak about Neymar, three days ago they speak about Alexis. They need as well, like you [reporters], subjects. My mind has been made up for a while now. I think I’ve made it clear a few times that he is not for sale and this is my stance.”
The latest comments look to be positive regarding Arsenal’s leading performer, but Wenger has previously made such promises only to let key players like Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie leave the club.
The FA Cup holders are, however, in a better financial position than they were a decade ago, and this gives the allowance to risk Sanchez for the final year of his contract.
