Arsene Wenger has admitted he is struggling to get Alexis Sanchez to commit to a new deal at Arsenal.

The Gunners boss has been adamant that his Chilean star forward will stay beyond this summer, despite having just 12 months left on his contract.

He has conceded, however, that Sanchez is not willing to prolong his stay at the Emirates meaning he is on course to walk away for free in a years’ time when he will be 29.

Wenger told SFR Sport: “In the short term he will remain an Arsenal player. Now, will we manage to extend his contract?

Arsene Wenger shares a joke with Alexis Sanchez during training (
Image:
Arsenal FC)
Sanchez didn't feature at the weekend against Chelsea (
Image:
PA)

“Whether we manage to get him to sign an extension or not - we have so far not been able to.

“On that level I am not super optimistic. We have the firm intention not to sell him.”

The Chilean is understood to be keen to join Pep Guardiola (
Image:
Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal have offered him a lucrative new deal worth £300,000-a-week. But Sanchez, out of the club’s first two games of the season with an abdominal strain, has publicly stated he wants to play in the Champions League next season.

Manchester City and Chelsea retain an interest in the former Barcelona star who was directly involved in 45 goals in 51 appearances for Arsenal last season. Sanchez scored 30 times and added 15 assists.

Arsenal’s stance is set to see them write off £60million should he leave next year.

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