Dealing a huge blow to Manchester City’s hopes of signing Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal have reportedly declared that the Chile international is ‘non-transferable’. But at the same time reports are suggesting that the Gunners will change their stance if two conditions are met.
The former Barcelona star has been one of the biggest positives for Arsenal in an otherwise lacklustre season as he scored 29 goals in all competitions. However, his heroics could neither end Arsenal’s long wait for a Premier League title nor ensure a place for the Gunners in the Champions League.
Arsenal’s spectacular capitulation in yet another season visibly frustrated Sanchez on more than one occasion and the Chilean has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates for quite some time now with Manchester City being touted as the favourites to sign him.
Earlier this week, reports had suggested that City had won the race to sign the Arsenal star. However, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is adamant that Sanchez will not be sold this summer but Spanish news outlet Marca has claimed that the Gunners boss will think about changing his stance if two requirements are met.
The first of the two conditions is that the Chile international will need to personally force through the move while the second depends on Wenger’s ability to sign a player of similar quality.
Premier League-winning star Riyad Mahrez is seen as one of the front-runners to replace Sanchez at the Emirates but the Gunners are not willing to meet Leicester City’s £50 million asking price for the Algeria international.
When asked about a potential move for the Leicester star last week, Wenger told beIN Sports: “Have we made a bid for him? No, not yet.
“Not yet means it can happen and not happen.”
The Frenchman, who recently signed a two-year contract extension, also said that the club was hopeful of tying down Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.
“They [Sanchez and Ozil] will stay at the club and hopefully we can extend their contracts,” the Frenchman told beIN Sports.
“You cannot weaken the club and weaken the team. You want to strengthen the team. Unless you find a player of the same calibre,” he had added.
Meanwhile, the Marca further claimed that Pep Guardiola is not willing to throw in the towel yet and are desperate to sign Sanchez.