The speculation surrounding the future of Alexsis Sanchez at the Emirates seems set to linger following claims by Chilean newspaper, El Mercurio that Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are set to table a new £44 million bid for Arsenal’s most prized talent.
“Now the club are preparing a new offer to see if they can convince the people of Arsenal,” the newspaper said.
“Everything that has been said about Paris Saint-Germain is speculation. There is nothing real. The only concrete offer that exists for Alexis is City,” it added.
Sanchez, who has a year left on his current contract at Arsenal, has also been repeatedly linked with a move to France, with PSG said to be his likely destination.
Speaking recently, Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger did anything but exude confidence that the contract situation with Sanchez is close to any sort of conclusions, admitting that there are chances he might still leave the club.
“At the moment no, because we have not progressed on that front,” Wenger said, when he was asked if Sanchez was close to signing a new deal.
“He is a player who goes into the final year of his contract and prepares for the season. That is a consequence of what I say, yes, unfortunately.
Arsenal has offered the forward a new contract, but he’s demanding £300k per week wage from the club, which has stalled any progression.
“We have to make a choice between efficiency on the field and financial interest, and most of the time if you can find a good compromise its better,” the Frenchman added.
“But in this case, I think I prioritize the fact that he will be useful on the sporting side. Look, let’s not be wrong, it’s not an ideal situation on the financial side and it demands some sacrifice.
“But first of all it doesn’t mean the players who are in the final year of their contract will not extend their contract. You have still that possibility and we work on that as well.”