Arsenal: ‘Losing Alexis Sanchez for free’ not as bad as it sounds

Arsene Wenger has admitted what we all already knew – that he is willing to let Alexis Sanchez leave Arsenal for free next summer. But it’s not as bad as it sounds.

Sometimes Arsene Wenger says things that we all already knew. Which offers us the kind of reassurance one gets when the weatherman tells us it will be sunny all day tomorrow and we wake up the next day and it’s sunny. However, I guess in Arsenal’s case, that analogy would be more applicable as ‘rainy.’

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Because what Wenger finally admitted is that he is willing to let Alexis Sanchez go for free next summer. His words, when asked if he was indeed willing to let this happen (via Arsenal.com):

"That is a consequence of what I say, yes, unfortunately. But we have to make a choice between efficiency on the field and financial interest and most of the time if you can find a good compromise, it’s better. But in this case, I think I prioritise the fact that he will be useful on the sporting side."

That is what people are focusing on right now, this somehow sudden realization that the scenario might come to pass. Ignoring the fact that you really can’t win here, if you’re Arsene Wenger. If you sell him now, you are highly criticized for depriving the team. If you let him go for free, you are highly criticized for not getting some sort of financial compensation.

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But Wenger said what I think should reassure a lot of supporters, “we have to make a choice between efficiency on the field and financial interest,” meaning that Wenger is opting in favor of the former and not the latter. Which is a reassurance he shouldn’t have to make, but seeing as how he is often accused of penny-pinching, it’s further proof.

Not just that, but earlier in the interview he said that he is still determined to get Alexis to sign an extension, which again goes without saying, but just to hear it is nice. Because there has to be some sort of leverage the club can attain to keep the Chilean.

This is all  stuff that we needed to hear anyway and this is all that needs to be said going forward. So long as this is the narrative, there really isn’t much room for tabloids to sneak in and set everything on fire.

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Overall, while it may seem daunting, I think most supporters are resolved at this point to just accept whatever comes next.