Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has reiterated that Alexis Sanchez will not be leaving this summer following his side’s 5-2 impressive win over Benfica in the Emirates Cup.
Sanchez was initially expected to report for first-team training on Sunday, but he put doubts over his presence after he posted an Instagram photo claiming to be ‘sick’.
As a result, it has been suggested that the attacker could be using it an excuse in order to prolong his arrival at the north London club.
In his post-match press-conference h/t Sky Sports, Wenger was adamant that his star performer will stay put at the Emirates beyond the summer as he will have to respect the club’s decision and honour the final year of his contract.
He added that the player indeed ‘has flu’ but he is expected to report as soon as possible, preferably by Tuesday next week.
“He has the flu I had a text from him yesterday and he will come back as soon as possible. We were in touch with him and his doctor and he should come back on Tuesday. Players who have one year on their contract have to respect their contract and play out their contract.” he said.
The £140,000-a-week star has previously hinted that he would like to join a club playing in the Champions League only for Wenger to insist that the Premier League holds a better importance to him than Europe’s elite competition.
The Gunners finished fifth in the Premier League last term with 75 points, just one adrift of Liverpool, who hung on for the final Champions League qualification spot.
As a result, Arsenal will feature in the Europa League for the first time since its introduction, and the competition presents a good chance for the club to clinch their maiden European title under Arsene Wenger.
Sanchez notched 30 goals and assisted a further 15 during the 2016/17 season which ended with an FA Cup triumph, and Wenger is prepared to take the risk with his attacker in order to end the club’s quest for the long-awaited league title.
