Arsene Wenger insists Alexis Sanchez IS focused on Arsenal despite Manchester City interest
ARSENE WENGER says he has no doubt Alexis Sanchez's mind will be elsewhere when he returns to Arsenal today.
The Chilean will be back at the Gunners' training ground for the first time since his transfer deadline day move collapsed last week.
But Wenger has full confidence his talisman will put his disappointments behind him and be firing on all cylinders for the North London outfit.
The French manager said: "I have no doubt about Alexis’ mind and mentality.
"He needs to come back to full fitness, which he wasn’t at Liverpool (in the 4-0 loss).
"He suffered a negative experience. He’s strong mentally, and will hopefully back to his best soon.
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"The transfer market is over. There was a lot going on on that front."
When quizzed on whether Sanchez leaving depended on Arsenal signing Thomas Lemar from Monaco, Wenger added: "This is what I read everywhere.
"My view is that it is very difficult to speak about.
"Lemar is now with Monaco and has to focus on Monaco. Sanchez is here and focused on here.
"You have to keep a certain confidentiality about transfer negotiations.
"He decided to stay in Monaco and we have to respect that. He has three years on his contract to go.
"So overall, we have to respect that."
The Gunners welcome Bournemouth to the Emirates on Saturday as they aim to turn their fortunes around.
Having battled to a 4-3 triumph on the opening day against Leicester, they suffered defeat at Stoke before the humiliation last time out at Anfield.
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