Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez clarity could result in fuss

Alexis Sanchez has stated that he is clear on his career, even though he was unwilling to reveal where. Such clarity could result in him kicking up a fuss if Arsenal bar any sale.

While much of the media attention has centred on who Arsenal may or may not sign thus far, playing on the helpless optimism of fans as they look for signs of life from their club, the Gunners’ most important tasks relate not to the addition of quality players, but the retention of the already established and accomplished members that provide the element of world-class ability to an otherwise stale and stagnating squad.

For Arsene Wenger, it is an almighty challenge; although it is much of his own making and he should take the blame for much of the struggles that will come this summer. Without Champions League football, and with his and the board’s ambition being scrutinised and criticised, it is extremely difficult to convince the best players to stay, rather than searching for the greener grass elsewhere.

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The many stars that must be retained begin with Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean is a pocket-rocket, the instigator and the inspiration of much of Arsenal’s attacking play. And yet, even with such importance and influence, his contract has been allowed to wind down to just 12 months remaining. And now Sanchez holds all the power at the negotiating table.

There is much rumour conjecture surrounding his future, and with him currently starring for Chile at the Confederations’ Cup, there will be little progress made until he returns. But that does not mean he hasn’t been asked. Journalists were still wanting answers, and Sanchez was willing to give them, in part:

"“Good question. Right now, I am focused on the Confederations Cup. When this is finished, I will see if I stay or if I go. I don’t know. It’s clear [in my mind] but I can’t tell you anything.”"

The clarity that Sanchez has, I suspect, is that he wants to leave North London. The trajectory of the narrative, his growing frustration with life at the Emirates and the desperate desire to win trophies that has not been replicated by the club all point to that decision.

And that is a problem for Arsenal. If Sanchez is defined and convicted in his decision, as he suggests he is, then to believe that he will not kick up a fuss in an attempt to force a move is a little naive. This is a man who, when he knows what he wants, will not allow anything or anyone to stop him from getting it. That has been proven off the pitch.

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Now he will be fighting for it off of the pitch and it could spell a messy and turbulent time.

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