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'It's a no brainer'

Arsenal must sell Alexis Sanchez for £60million this summer instead of losing him on free, insists Gunners legend Alan Smith

Ex-Arsenal striker says the Gunners have to cash in on the Chilean strike ace while they still can

Arsenal could risk missing out on mega-millions if they choose not to sell star forward Alexis Sanchez this summer.

The Chilean has just one year left on his contract at Arsenal, which means he would go for free next season if no new deal is struck before then.

 Alexis has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer
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Alexis has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates this summerCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Sanchez reportedly wants Champions League football, which his current club cannot provide
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Sanchez reportedly wants Champions League football, which his current club cannot provideCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Speaking on talkSPORT earlier, ex-Arsenal and Leeds striker Alan Smith said: "What the owners would think about keeping a player you could get £60m for, and then letting him go for nothing in 12 months time, I don't know."

"Its a no-brainer, you've go to let him go, get the money and move on."

The 28-year-old was expected to return to training on Sunday, but the striker posted on Instagram claiming to be ill earlier today.

Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are the two teams in pole position to swoop in for the player, as he demands Champions League football.

PSG have reportedly had two bids of £44m and £35m rejected by the North London club.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is adamant that the forward will remain at the club, which is similar to the iterations he made when discussing the futures of Robin Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas before they departed.

 The Chilean posted to his Instagram page with a picture of him looking worse for wear
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The Chilean posted to his Instagram page with a picture of him looking worse for wearCredit: Instagram @alexis_officia1
 Ex-Arsenal man Smith thinks Arsenal should cut the striker loose
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Ex-Arsenal man Smith thinks Arsenal should cut the striker looseCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Smith expressed his concerns over the detrimental affect the Alexis transfer saga could have on the team.

He said: "Arsene Wenger says he is determined not to sell him, but he seems determined to leave."

“If you’ve got an unhappy player, a bit like Coutinho at Liverpool, that’s not a great situation to have in the dressing room."

 The Arsenal boss is determined not to let his star player leave
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The Arsenal boss is determined not to let his star player leaveCredit: AP:Associated Press

Wenger previously revealed that Sanchez and German defender Shkodran Mustafi would both be back training this weekend.

The forward will inevitably miss this weekend's Emirates Cup, when Arsenal take on Benfica and Sevilla in their annual curtain-raiser.

Since the Chilean has been on holiday since appearing for Chile in the Confederations Cup, he may need a few games to get back to match fitness.

Wenger will be hoping Alexis can get some match practice before the Gunners take on Leicester City on the opening day of the Premier League season.

 Wenger will be hoping Alexis can line-up alongside new striker Alexandre Lacazette
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Wenger will be hoping Alexis can line-up alongside new striker Alexandre LacazetteCredit: Reuters

 

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