Arsenal: Europa League will not push Alexis Sanchez away

Arsenal definitely has a bit of a problem if they don’t make the Champions League, but not a big enough problem that Alexis Sanchez will leave.

For awhile there, it felt like the entire world hinged on Arsenal’s ability to slip into atop four position and land Champions League football. Without it, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil were sure to leave, no question about it. But that feeling gradually subsided.

Alexis has shown his dedication, he has enjoyed his football and if anything else, this little blip of success shows that there is hope, even if there is no Champions League place available for the Gunners.

Not to mention the fact that there still has never been any evidence that Alexis is disgruntled by his current club. Other than a bit of frustration, which does not automatically necessitate an immediate exit. He has far more instances, even recently, of looking happy, dedicated and hungry with his team mates than he does throwing a hissy fit, which we don’t even see anymore these days.

A Europa League place is not fuel for an exit. Think about all of the world class stars that have had to wade through the Europa League lately, even after this year. Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic had to with Manchester United. Chelsea didn’t have any European competition and no one left. It’s not like missing the highest club footballing competition is a guillotine for superstars.

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These unfounded reports that Alexis will automatically push for an exit without Champions League football are founded on little more than a false understanding of the Chilean’s motivations. One of the writers here, Jabari, had a fantastic take on what Alexis Sanchez wants from his time at Arsenal and I have never read it described any better. It’s not enough for Alexis to win things. He has already done that. He wants to be the star, not another piece of the puzzle.

Juventus, Bayern Munich, etc. can’t offer him what Arsenal can. Here at the Emirates, with the club he loves (yes, he loves), he can be something different. He can be the star and win things. There will be frustrations sure, but through frustrations we get better. And that applies to Alexis too.

I used to be really worried that the Chilean was going to leave as soon as possible, but it’s so much deeper than what the media portrays. Alexis has an attachment to this club, he has an attachment to the city and to the fan base as well. He isn’t going to just pull the plug because of missing out on one year of Champions League.

Next: Arsenal's Potential 2017/18 Starting XI Without Ozil, Alexis

That’s just not how a bonafide professional like Alexis behaves.