Arsenal: Retaining Alexis Sanchez Not Straightforward

Arsenal’s task this years goes beyond winning the title, it goes to retaining their superstars. But Wenger is right, retaining Alexis is complicated.

Arsenal definitely have their work cut out for them this year. Between finally winning an illusive title in a year where no one gave them credit to locking down their two big time superstars, there is a lot on their plate and any progress towards one or the other deserves to be noted.

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I wouldn’t call the latest update on Alexis Sanchez to be a major update, but it is a reaffirming of what we should have already known.

Here’s what Arsene Wenger said:

“I believe personally, and maybe I am a bit naive, that it’s more about getting to meet the player’s needs. That’s more about the way the club has values, the way the club has ambition, the way the club respects the players,” he said, via the Guardian. He went on:

“So I think, for me, that is more important nowadays and an important ingredient for every player to consider. The money is good everywhere for everybody.”

Translation: Alexis Sanchez  can’t just be paid to stay. So many supporters out there are saying “just pay the man, pay his dogs too. Make it rain on him.”

But it’s not like that. I’ve said this before, but if Alexis Sanchez was motivated by money, he wouldn’t even be at Arsenal. He came to North London to learn, to improve, and to win. Well, check those first two off his list.

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Once he starts winning things, he will have everything he needs to stay. And I would reckon that the Gunners don’t even have to win the EPL title or the Champions League. So long as they show improvements and show that they can push for those major trophies, Alexis can be incentivized to stay.

It’s a refreshing take in the modern game, where money seems to procure most people (I’m looking at Paul Pogba… and most of Jose Mourinho’s crew). Alexis wants more from the game than just a fat paycheck, which is more like a cool byproduct that a motivating factor.

I don’t think we need to panic about Alexis’s situation. Arsenal are showing some serious fighting spirit and Alexis and Mesut Ozil are noticing. If this becomes consistency, then say hello to two new contracts for our two propellants.

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And then we can all take a deep breath again.