Alexis Sanchez will leave Arsenal either this summer or next – even if they meet all the Chile forward’s requirements.
That’s the assessment of former Gunners defender Martin Keown who sees no future for the attacker at the Emirates.
Sanchez has less than 12 months remaining on his contract, sparking much speculation over where his future might lie. He’s been persistently linked with Bayern Munich and Man City, with the player said to be keen on a switch to the latter.
However Arsene Wenger has insisted Sanchez must honour the remainder of his contract while there are hopes the 29-year-old can be convinced to sign a new deal.
But Keown believes that even if they meet Sanchez’s demands – both financially and on the pitch – the Chile international will depart.
‘Wenger is probably hoping he can somehow win the Premier League and keep Sanchez,’ Keown said at the FA and McDonald’s Community Awards.
‘Meet his needs from a trophy point of view and find some way to match his contract demands – but I don’t see that happening.’
Sanchez recently returned to training and joined the squad at Wembley for their victorious Community Shield clash with Chelsea. He’s appeared happy and shown no signs of pushing for a move. Keown doesn’t expect him to either.
‘I don’t think Sanchez is the kind of player to shut up shop,’ said the former Arsenal defender.
‘He signed a contract in good faith.
‘And while he could probably move and earn a lot more money at another club, sometimes it’s about carrying on with dignity and respect and finishing the job.
‘That’s what he should do at Arsenal.’
Arsenal get their season under way on Friday when they host Leicester.
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