Alexis Sanchez has been tipped to leave Arsenal this summer
Arsene Wenger has insisted that Alexis Sanchez will stay at Arsenal and honour the final year of his contract despite speculation linking him with a move elsewhere.
Sanchez was absent through illness as Arsenal thrashed Benfica 5-2 in the Emirates Cup on Saturday and has been tipped to leave the club this summer.
However, speaking after his side’s impressive victory over the Portuguese champions, Wenger was adamant the Chile international would be going nowhere.
“There is no development it is always the same. He’s staying,” Wenger said.
“He has the flu I had a text from him yesterday and he will come back as soon as possible. We were in touch with him and his doctor and he should come back on Tuesday.
“Players who have one year on their contract have to respect their contract and play out their contract.”
Sanchez was due to be back at Arsenal’s London Colney training base on Sunday after being given an extended break following the Confederations Cup, but his return has been delayed due to illness.
On Friday, Sanchez posted a picture of himself on Instagram in which he claimed to be ‘sick’.
When asked whether he felt Sanchez’s illness is a convenient excuse to prolong his absence from the club, Wenger said: “Your job is to be suspicious and is built on mistrust and my job is built on trust! That’s why I prefer my side [of the story].”
Although Arsenal finished fifth in the Premier League last season, Sanchez was in exceptional form scoring 24 goals and registering 10 assists, which resulted in him winning the club’s Player of the Year award.
A host of top clubs are believed to be interested in signing the former Barcelona forward including PSG, who Sky sources understand are willing to offer him £250,000 per week.
