Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez exit increasingly inevitable

 With Arsenal edging towards the signings of Alexandre Lacazette and Thomas Lemar, an Alexis Sanchez exit is increasingly likely, especially given the trajectory of his narrative over the past 12 months.

Arsenal are facing a defining summer. After Arsene Wenger controversially signed a two-year extension, much to the despair and anger of a growing section of the fan base, there were a number of issues that his negligence had caused, especially in regards to the contracts of many of the prominent players in the squad.

Related Story: 3 things Alexis Sanchez may be waiting for

From the stars to the prospective youth players, Wenger has allowed a worrying number of players’ contracts wind down to just one-year or less to run. Just this summer, Chris Willock has left as a result the expiration of his contract. And there will be more.

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

Perhaps the most famous of the players with an uncertain future ahead of them is Alexis Sanchez. Or though, his future may not be all that unclear. There have been growing rumours that the Chilean is wanting to leave North London, with Manchester City reportedly growing in confidence that they will be able to secure his signature, even with Wenger not wanting to sell to a Premier League club.

Irrespective of the City rumours, however, there are several reasons to think that Sanchez will leave the club this summer. The first is to consider the trajectory of the narrative. 18 months ago, Sanchez was working tirelessly for the team, plying his trade dutifully, and entering contract negotiations with the club in the coming weeks. Those talks broke down, Sanchez delayed discussions on several occasions and grew visibly more and more frustrated with life at the Emirates.

Reading the tea leaves is not especially difficult with a player as outwardly expressive and emotional as Sanchez, and for Arsenal, they are rather grim reading indeed.

Moreover, considering the recent actions of the club, and it is clear to see that they also believe Sanchez will leave this summer.

The pursuits for Thomas Lemar and Alexandre Lacazette, two players who would constitute as possible replacements for Sanchez, have stepped up substantially, there has been little to no news regarding potential contract offers, suggesting that the club have resigned themselves to failing in that department, and if there were to be a successful agreement reached, it would be far more likely to be seen earlier in the summer.

Next: 30 greatest transfers of past 30 years

The departure of Sanchez has been predicted for some time. It has simply seemed inevitable. Considering the facts a month into the summer, and there has been little to change my mind: Sanchez is leaving and Arsenal must plan for life without him.