Arsenal Vs Bournemouth: 5 things we learned – It’s not even surprising anymore

3. Alexis Sanchez is on his way out

Alexis Sanchez was left out of the squad altogether on Sunday afternoon.

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Wenger, in his pre-match interview, said that he chose to leave him at home because of the climaxing of his transfer saga, revealing that a decision on his future was imminent. In his post-match interview, that suggestion was only enforced, stating that a decision will be made in the next few days.

Wenger did not say whether that decision would be whether the Chilean stays or goes. But the writing is on the wall. In midweek, he was on the bench, when it was expected that he would start. And now he is not even in the squad, with reports growing that a Manchester-shaped transfer abounds.

That hints at one thing and one thing alone: Sanchez is on his way. The question for Arsenal now becomes one of recruitment. Can they find a suitable successor to the Chilean as an attacking force in a side that is largely mediocre without him?