The Chilean forward was left out completely of the squad to face Bournemouth today in the clearest signal yet that Arsenal have now decided simply to sell this month to the highest bidder.
It is the first time Sanchez has missed a game for a reason directly related to his contractual situation and, while an offer has not yet been accepted, there is an air of resignation at Arsenal about the situation. Theo Walcott is also increasingly likely to depart shortly – with Everton still favourites to sign him – but he is in Arsenal’s squad today.
It is the Sanchez situation, though, that is causing most intrigue. It is believed that Sanchez now favours a move to United and the prospect of a financial package that Manchester City are unwilling to match City have had a £60 million bid turned down for Sanchez and, with the player out of contract this summer, had only expected to pay around £20 million this month. Arsenal still want £30 million and United are believed to be most likely to match those demands, as well as a potential agent fee in excess of £10 million. Arsenal’s willingness to sell imminently is also linked to their desire to sign Bordeaux forward Malcom and they hope to quickly push through that deal.
Having played Sanchez against Liverpool at the end of August when he was also close to leaving, Wenger decided that it was better not to have the 29-year-old with his squad today. “He’s been vague at the moment,” said Wenger. “The situation is not completed decided one way or another so I left him at home.” As well as Malcolm, Arsenal are also interested in Thomas Lemar from Monaco – but a deal is unlikely this month – and United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Arsenal’s only change at Bournemouth from the League Cup semi-final against Chelsea is the inclusion of Petr Cech in goal ahead of David Ospina, although Sead Kolasinac and Aaron Ramsey are back among the substitutes, as is Eddie Nketiah.
Telegraph
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