Arsenal: Paris Saint-Germain relinquishing leaves just one enemy left

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly dropped their interest in Alexis Sanchez. For Arsene Wenger and his quest to keep the Chilean at Arsenal, it leaves just one more enemy: Manchester City.

There has been one constant stream of proclamation from Arsene Wenger regarding Alexis Sanchez: He stays! No matter the question, no matter the concern, no matter the offer, according to Wenger, Arsenal’s star player is not for sale. He will not be leaving the Emirates this summer.

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We have heard this before though, this manufactured speak in public to create a facade of resilience and rebellion against the increasingly money-driven football world. Often, it has led to such players leaving anyway. Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie. Wenger spouted that they all would stay. Where are they now?

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But there seems to be a difference this time around. He is more bullish in his statements, less cryptic; they are said with a greater force. And the lay of the land seems to suggest that Wenger may well be right. With just a year left on his contract and hopes of being able to sign him on a cheap, there were a plethora of clubs queuing up to sign Sanchez. But now, that does not seem to be so.

Real Madrid were never a serious option because of his ties to Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid couldn’t really afford him. Chelsea were vaguely interested but such rumours have since died down. Bayern Munich made the biggest push but instead turned their attentions to James Rodriguez, eventually securing him on a two-year loan deal in the bargain buy of the summer. That left just Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.

And now, after signing Neymar in a world-record £200 million move, PSG have reportedly dropped their interest, stating that the price tag is too high for a player that they no longer need. That leaves with Wenger with just one more enemy to stay true to his word.

With just three weeks remaining in the transfer window, it seems as though Sanchez will either remain an Arsenal player or move to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola is reportedly wanting to rejoin with his former Barcelona player, adding yet more riches to an already illustrious squad, and given their far better title chances and their featuring in the Champions League, it would be difficult to blame Sanchez for wanting to leave.

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Wenger and Arsenal have been in lockstep regarding Sanchez all summer. Their stance has never changed, never wavered, never retreated to a maybe, never mentioned any semblance of doubt or concern. They have been resolute and steadfast and now they may well stay true to their word.