Arsene Wenger has revealed that he has held talks with Alexis Sanchez via text message in order to convince him to stay.
And the Gunners boss accentuated that the conversation with the Chilean star has been “very positive”.
Alexis’ current contract with the Gunners is set to run out in 2018 and he is yet to sign a contract extension.
The Chilean currently takes home £140,000-a-week and sources reveal that he is now playing hardball with Wenger in order to squeeze a mega-money deal out of Arsenal.
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Arsenal are desperate to hold on to their star player and Wenger has had said that he would not sell the Chilean to a Premier League club.
The Gunners had offered Sanchez a new deal – a two-year extension and a wage packet of £300,000-a-week to keep him at the club until 2020 – but the Chilean has stalled negotiations as he is holding out for more.
Sanchez has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City where he will reunite with former boss Pep Guardiola.
Sources had revealed that the Chilean wants to stay in the Premier League and favours a move to Manchester City after Bundesliga giants cooled down their interest in the Chilean.
Guardiola had Sanchez on his radar and wanted to sign him when he became Man City boss last summer.
Man City are set to launch an opening bid of £50m for the Chilean star, who reportedly wants to reunite with former boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Cash-rich Ligue 1 giants PSG have also shown huge interest in the Sanchez.
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But amid all rumours, Wenger has now accentuated that Sanchez could stay and a sign a contract extension.
Manchester City have been dealt a major blow in their Alexis Sanchez pursuit as Arsenal have accentuated that they will fight to tie down their key player.
Wenger told reporters: “I have spoken through text and it was very positive.”
“My thoughts are always positive. There’s not a lot to resolve at the moment with the player.”
Sanchez displayed incredible form last term – with 30 goals to his name in all competitions and also guided Arsenal to FA Cup triumph before helping his country to reach the Confederations Cup final, where they lost to Germany, and the Gunners boss expects him to be back in the squad at the end of the month.
Wenger said: “Players like Alexis Sanchez played the whole season, finished the season really tired and went off to play in the Confederations Cup.”
“You can’t tell them they are not having a holiday and must come back and continue, it’s impossible.”
“Usually you need three weeks but they will have a programme and can be involved after one week to ten days, and play a part in games.”
“It also depends on the shape they come back in.”
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Wenger, who has roped in Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette for a club record transfer fee this summer, is also hopeful that the Gunners will also tie down Jack Wilshere, who spent the last season on loan at Bournemouth and has been linked with moves away from the North London club this summer.
Wenger added: “I think Jack will be with Arsenal next season, yes. I will give you a very focused answer on that, that he has to work hard to come back and fight for a place in the team.”
“But once he is ready, when he comes back, he will not be far from practising with the team.”
