Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez can find new contract in blaze of glory

Everyone is waiting for some sort of clarity regarding Alexis Sanchez’s future with Arsenal, but could it all depend on his blaze of glory?

Arsenal are certainly taking things down to the wire with Alexis Sanchez. Both he and Mesut Ozil are within the final year of their respective contracts and while Ozil has properly stated his intentions, Alexis has been less transparent. He has, instead, opted to leave it completely up to the Gunners.

Which raises the all-important question of just how motivated he would be if he doesn’t extend his contract. Personally, I wasn’t very optimistic. After seeing his occasional tantrums on the pitch, I couldn’t help but wonder if that was what the future held more of.

But others seem to think the opposite. And by others, I of course mean Arsene Wenger, the man who may or may not be in control of the whole thing.

When asked if Alexis would still give his all on the pitch for the entire season, Wenger had this to say (as quoted by Sky Sports):

"Of course. Why not? My conviction – and if you look well – it’s always in your interests, even if you have a short contract, to do well. And the kind of character he is. He is a winner. When he goes on the football pitch, he wants to win. He is a guy who loves football. He has advantages and disadvantages on both sides going into a situation like that"

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My initial impression was that there was not a lot of optimism here. Especially with his “even if you have a short contract” bit. But it doesn’t maintain that feel. What it feels more like is a call to action. For both parties.

Alexis wants to win. That is the huge focus of this statement. So long as Alexis is winning, Alexis is happy. That is the simple scientific formula behind Alexis Sanchez’s veiled mystery. It’s a pretty thin veil.

Which means that, if you’ll allow me to speculate a bit, if Arsenal win, Alexis is happy. Which therefore means that if Alexis is happy, he may yet still sign a new contract.

It’s a stretch. But not much of one. Happiness is all a player seeks, and the quickest way to happiness is to succeed at the initial objective, which, for Alexis, is winning with Arsenal.

Next: 10 Lessons Learned From Preseason Tour & Emirates Cup

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Alexis hit the pitch in a blaze, more determined than ever to win. Especially after the Confederations Cup. If he can see this side to glory, then why wouldn’t he stay?

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