Arsene Wenger may have failed to sign an outfield player but he has now made it obvious that his club would not lose their priced assets anymore. Arsenal have begun talks with Alexis Sanchez to extend his stay in Islington beyond 2018, according to leading British tabloid the Mirror.
Liam Corless reports that the London club would table a £51.5million deal that would keep him contracted to them for five and a half years from the end of the current campaign. Should the Chilean accept the offer, Arsenal will benefit hugely from it as it would signify that they retain his services during his peak years. Wingers usually reach the zenith of their careers between 27 and 33.
The 27-year-old winger made his Arsenal switch in 2014 after spending three seasons in the shadow of Lionel Messi. However, he has since grown in prominence to become the apple of the Arsenal supporters’ eye – alongside Mesut Ozil – scoring 35 goals and collecting 19 assists in 71 competitive starts for the Gunners.
With Pep Guardiola taking charge of Manchester City next season, the English media have begun linking the Arsenal winger with an Etihad Stadium switch in summer, citing his relationship with the Spanish manager during his Nou Camp stay. Arsenal will look to finalise the deal as early as possible to fend off any potential advances from the Blues in the transfer window.
Alexis Sanchez started his third competitive game in a row against Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon after a lengthy injury layoff and will hope to put an end to eight-match goalless run in the English top-flight when league leaders Leicester City visit Emirates Stadium this weekend.