ARSENE WENGER has taunted Chelsea and told Alexis Sanchez that if he wants to stay in London there is only one club to play for – and it’s Arsenal.
By TONY BANKS
“It is true that before we sold players when we were in positions where we had to sell financially. That’s not the case any more,” said Wenger, who once again refused to give any clues about his own future.
“Sanchez has one-and-a-half years left on his contract. I don’t think it’s an immediate concern.”
Talks with Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil have also stalled, leading to speculation that both players will depart in the summer, but Wenger said: “Once you go into the final two or three months, everybody is more focused on the end of the season. You give yourself more time in a more relaxed atmosphere between the seasons.
“They are not out of contract at the end of the season. I believe both of them want to stay and I hope that the club will find an agreement with them.”
On his own future Wenger was less clear. He insisted his contract situation is not yet sorted out but is clear in his mind about what he will do.
He has a new two-year deal on the table and is expected to sign it in the coming weeks, despite major speculation about his future amid his team’s plummeting form.
“I’m very clear in my mind,” he said. “It’s a subject that at the moment is not sorted completely out. The priority in life is always to focus on what is important, not to look for excuses.
“Our results are not going the way we want, but we have to make sure that the priority is what happens on the pitch.
“Our season will be decided by the next two months, by the ability and the strength we can show together to fight back.”
By TONY BANKS
In a blunt rebuttal of suggestions Sanchez could be on his way to Stamford Bridge this summer, the Arsenal manager insisted his club are no longer in a financial position which forces them to sell players to their rivals.
Chilean star Sanchez is refusing to sign the new deal on the table for him at the Emirates, and has only 12 months left on his current contract.
Talks have been put on hold until the end of the season, with the striker wanting a deal that virtually doubles his current £130,000-a-week contract. Paris St-Germain, Juventus and Inter Milan are also interested in Sanchez, who has hit 22 goals this season but has looked increasingly disenchanted as Arsenal’s season has crumbled.
Sanchez said on Wednesday he wanted to stay in the city – but with a team that fights for titles.
But Wenger, whose side face Manchester City at the Emirates tomorrow, said: “How do I interpret his comments? In a very positive way. There’s only one team in London – so he’s happy.
“Alexis is happy here. It’s true that we have not extended his contract yet. I hope that he will stay at the club.
“He said he wants to win the championship – that’s what everybody wants. I can understand that.”
In previous years the Gunners have been forced to sell players like Samir Nasri to Masnchester City in 2011 and Robin Van Persie to Manchester United in 2012 because they could not compete financially with their rivals. Now though, the bank balance is healthy.
“Sanchez has one-and-a-half years left on his contract. I don’t think it’s an immediate concern.”
Talks with Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil have also stalled, leading to speculation that both players will depart in the summer, but Wenger said: “Once you go into the final two or three months, everybody is more focused on the end of the season. You give yourself more time in a more relaxed atmosphere between the seasons.
“They are not out of contract at the end of the season. I believe both of them want to stay and I hope that the club will find an agreement with them.”
On his own future Wenger was less clear. He insisted his contract situation is not yet sorted out but is clear in his mind about what he will do.
He has a new two-year deal on the table and is expected to sign it in the coming weeks, despite major speculation about his future amid his team’s plummeting form.
“I’m very clear in my mind,” he said. “It’s a subject that at the moment is not sorted completely out. The priority in life is always to focus on what is important, not to look for excuses.
“Our results are not going the way we want, but we have to make sure that the priority is what happens on the pitch.
“Our season will be decided by the next two months, by the ability and the strength we can show together to fight back.”
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