Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez Exit Has Nothing To Do With Happiness

Arsenal are perpetually fretting over the potential loss of Alexis Sanchez, but one thing needs to be clear – this has nothing to do with “unhappiness.”

Arsenal has a knack for this “family” mentality where guys hang around, sometimes longer than you’d like, because they care so much about the club, the culture, and the people within. Say what you will about it, it is definitely a unique feel in the modern game, where moves are assumed in every players career.

Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil were modern era signings that bought into that culture and largely still do. Although that belief is probably waning as the success makes itself distant from the Gunner’s cause.

Still though, throughout all of the exit talk and frustrations with the lack of consistency, one thing needs to be remembered. And that is that both guys, particularly Alexis Sanchez, who is always being doubted, are happy at Arsenal.

That fact has never changed, nor will it. Alexis came here for a reason and he wants to stay for that same reason. He has made is so painfully obvious that he wants to stay. All he wants to see is a little ambition from the club.

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This is important to remember as we go into the summer transfer window because of the distinction between the two. I always compare it to Robin van Persie. The Flying Dutchman didn’t want to leave. He was absolutely happy at the Emirates, he just wanted to see more ambition from the club and Wenger couldn’t make any promises.

I’m not defending his move to Manchester United, just saying. There is a big difference between wanting to go/being unhappy and reluctantly leaving because the club isn’t doing what you expected.

That distinction is crucial because it shows where the fault primarily lies, especially in this situation. Alexis has made it pretty damn clear – show ambition and he will stay. At this juncture, there isn’t much ambition that the club can show in terms of success, so we have to look at the transfer window and re-translate what Alexis said.

He wants to stay if Arsene Wenger shows a desire to end this rout in the transfer window by loading up on indisputably class players that can and will make an immediate difference.

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Alexis is not unhappy at the Emirates. It is so obvious to see that. He is always laughing in training and having a ball. he gets frustrated with the club, sure, but we all do.