Arsenal must be brutal with Alexis Sanchez in more ways than one

Arsenal are reportedly set to brutally block Alexis Sanchez’s impending transfer to Manchester City. However, there are more ways than one with which they must be brutal to him.

Entering the summer transfer window, the biggest question that Arsenal had to answer was the future of Arsene Wenger. Like it or not, he is the man that has moulded the club in his own image, he has an innate, detailed influence on every decision that is made, from the tactics on the pitch to the dinners in the canteen.

Related Story: 3 reasons Alexis Sanchez isn't going to Manchester City

However, in signing a new two-year contract shortly after the remarkable FA Cup final win over Chelsea, the umbrella of uncertainty that was in danger of engulfing everything that happened this summer was settled rather quickly and deliberately.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

Now the most substantial issue to be solved is that of a rather pesky Chilean. Alexis Sanchez has just a year remaining on his contract and holds all the power at the negotiating table. Arsenal have very little sway regarding his decision, and if they want to keep him beyond the summer, they must face the risk of losing him on a free next season as his contract expires.

As such, as time passes, a sale is becoming more and more likely. At this point, Arsenal’s priorities must shift from trying to convince Sanchez to stay, to ensuring that they maximise the value they receive for his services and that the destination is one that does not damage their own aspirations.

That is why recent reports suggesting that the club are set to bar him from making the switch to Manchester City have surfaced. After the debacle of Robin van Persie and Manchester United in 2012, it would be maddening to see Wenger make the same elementary, foolish mistake again, five years later. However, while that may seem a little brutal on the player, there are more ways than one in which Arsenal must be harsh with their star player.

Not only must they demand where he goes, but they must also instruct when. And then when should be soon. Such is the importance of Sanchez, the influence that he has on the team, and the difficulties that his leaving would pose in replacing him, it is essential that a firm decision regarding his future is made and made quickly, such that Wenger and the club can then implement plans from a place of understanding.

Next: 3 ramifications if Alexis Sanchez joins Manchester City

There will be a great variety in what Arsenal must succeed in doing depending on whether Sanchez stays or goes. That is why it is important that a decision is made quickly, even if that means being brutal.