Arsenal playing potentially naive Alexis Sanchez game

Arsene Wenger has stated that he expects Alexis Sanchez to be 100% committed to Arsenal when he returns. While I agree, it is a potentially naive game to play.

The deadline debacle saw a panicked and unprepared Arsenal scramble for any semblance of security and progress. It was first reported that they had ‘no more money’ for any major signings, only for them to later scuttle in with a £92 million offer for Thomas Lemar as their situation quickly unravelled before them.

That unravelling was the anticipated departure of Alexis Sanchez. A reported £60 million bid had been accepted, Arsene Wenger was planning for life without his star Chilean and the only further hurdle that had to be cleared was the ability to find a suitable replacement before the deadline.

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It so transpired that that was not possible, and now, after being on the verge of securing his favoured move to a direct rival, Sanchez must now return, with just a year left on his contract, to a team desperate for his exuberant and inspiring influence. But will he be motivated for a club that he clearly wanted to leave and scuppered his chance to reunite with former manager Pep Guardiola? That is the question that BEIN Sports put to Wenger, who was bullish in his response:

"“Your interest is always to perform and he is 100 per cent committed, I have no doubt about that. It’s very difficult for me to speak about what happened because what I want the player to do now is focus on his career, on his season and on Arsenal Football Club. I spoke before about integrity and values and I always make sure my commitment is at the level expected from the people who pay me and have confidence in me. I think the players’ side is exactly the same.”"

While I agree with Wenger’s assessment — Sanchez is extremely competitive. He is not of a character that belies effort and desire; he is desperate to win, irrespective of who he plays for and the competition that he plays in –, there is still a word of caution that should be heeded.

To simply expect Sanchez to play with the same motivation levels as before is a little naive. Yes, he is a player who has always played with irrefutable and unwavering effort, even if littered with distracting tantrums, which are often borne out of his undying desire to win, every now and then. But that does not mean that he will necessarily play irrespective of circumstance. Surely, the deadline day debacle affected his mindset?

Next: Arsenal: 5 things that must happen after deadline day

Having said all of that, I do expect Sanchez to play and to play with great heart and effort. But to merely expect it is risky and naive and could come back to bite Wenger if he is not careful.

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