Alexis Sanchez gave an interview to Chilean newspaper Publimetro in which he confirmed his desire to see out his contract, which runs until 2018, at Arsenal.
“I am happy in London and I hope to finish my contract at Arsenal,” Sanchez said.
But Sanchez’s words also included a subtle, come-and-get-me plea to Chelsea, or so some thought.
The Arsenal forward added: “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.”
Chelsea, who are on course for their second Premier League title in three seasons, are a winning team. Arsenal, who haven’t been champions since 2004 and currently sit sixth in the table, are not.
And though Sanchez was in Lionel Messi’s shadow, he was part of a winning culture at Barcelona.
Arsenal would be doomed without Alexis
Replacing Sanchez will be an almost impossible task for Arsene Wenger, should he continue in his role as Arsenal’s manager into next season. It’s hard to imagine where the Gunners would be if not for the Chilean, who has been head and shoulders above his teammates this season.
Sanchez has scored 22 goals in all competitions. He’s the only player in the squad to reach double figures in league goals.
Sanchez has made a decision on his future
If Arsenal are to stand any chance of competing next season, they’re going to need Alexis to stick around. But according to the Telegraph, he’s already decided he wants out.
The newspaper claims Sanchez has put Chelsea at the top of the list of clubs he wants to join. He reportedly sees Antoine Conte as the ‘perfect’ coach to work for - and the Blues are confident that personal terms can be reached.
One hurdle in the way
However, one hurdle in Sanchez’s bid to swap the Emirates Stadium for Stamford Bridge is Arsenal’s desire to keep him. The Gunners would rather Alexis enter the final 12 months of his contract than sell to a rival.
Of course, Arsenal run of risk of having a player who no longer wants to play for them, but at least they will keep Sanchez out of Chelsea’s hands.
If Conte adds Sanchez to his already impressive squad, there’s really no point in anyone else turning up next season.