Arsenal’s dismal season could be compounded if they are unable to convince Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez to sign contract extensions.And it’s hard to imagine the pair committing their long-term futures to the club if the Gunners fail to qualify for the Champions League.Currently sixth in the Premier League table, and with a crucial fixture against Manchester City this weekend, it’s panic stations at the Emirates Stadium right now.It was reported by the Mirror this week that Arsenal were bracing themselves for Sanchez’s exit by slapping a £50 million price tag on his head.Now, Arsenal have to play this right. If they don’t sell in the summer, and have a bad 2017-18, they will certainly lose Sanchez, a player who cost them £35m, for nothing.They’d prefer the Chilean to stay, of course. The same with Ozil. But another disappointing season will result in both exiting without the Gunners receiving a penny in return.Sanchez has remained mum on his future - barring a defiant Instagram post after reports claimed he had a bust-up with Arsene Wenger in training - but he broke his silence in an interview with Chilean newspaper Publimetro.
Sanchez makes a statement about his future
Now, some perceive the 28-year-old’s comments as a come-and-get-me plea to Chelsea, while others believe he’s demanding Arsenal sort out their problems are return to being title contenders.
We’ll let you make your own mind up.
“I am happy in London and I hope to finish my contract at Arsenal,” Sanchez said.
“I want to stay in a winning team and keep playing in the same city. I want to play in a team that has aspirations.
“I’m 28-years-old, I still have a lot ahead of me. I am a player who takes great care of himself.”
It sounds as if Sanchez will make his mind up next season, then. If Arsenal are uncompetitive again, then he’ll say goodbye.
Arsenal fans react
Chelsea could make a move
It’s interesting to note his desire to remain in London. Chelsea will certainly heed attention to his words and may even decide not to wait a year.
Antonio Conte, who is on his way to winning the title in his debut season in the Premier League, can send out a serious message to Chelsea’s rivals by poaching their rival’s best player in the summer.