Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he could not confirm whether Alexis Sanchez would remain at the club until the end of the season amid interest from both Manchester clubs. He however said if the club secure a replacement, the Chilean would be allowed to leave this January
According to Sky Sports while Wenger maintains it would be "normal" for Sanchez to stay until his contract elapses at the end of the season, he admitted that "nothing is decided one way or another".
“Of course I want a quick resolution. Is he [Sanchez] replaceable in the way that we find exactly the same player? Certainly not, but there’s always a way to find a different balance.
“Alexis is an exceptional football player, he’s a world-class player and if that happens [and he leaves] we have to find a different balance in the team. I have had many conversations about him and we talked about the fact that people are always observing you with a microscope when you’re on a short-term contract, but I’ve never questioned his professional attitude when he’s on the football pitch.”
The future of Sanchez has been the subject of much debate all season with the Chilean's deal set to expire at the end season, putting Arsenal at risk of losing him on a free transfer.
Last summer, Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain indicated interest in securing the transfer of the talisman. However, both deals failed to be consummated after Arsenal were unable to land a replacement.
Apart from City and PSG, Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign the star man. Their interest may not be unconnected with the fluctuating performance of new signing, Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku has failed to deliver in recent times, with the club trailing league toppers Manchester City by 15 points.
Jose Mourinho is optimistic that the arrival of Sanchez could turn the fortune of the club around as he tries to bridge the 15 points gap.
