Alexis Sanchez is frustrated at Arsenal with concerns over competitiveness and cash: so could he really leave?

Alexis Sanchez's pent-up frustrations at Arsenal boiled over in the most public of manners this week.

After a blow to their Premier League title hopes at Bournemouth, the energetic and ambitious forward threw his gloves to the ground and headed for the tunnel in a huff.

Once back in the dressing room Sanchez quietly fumed, barely speaking to team-mates who now fear he could depart in the summer if his frustrations persist.

Alexis Sanchez showed his frustration during Arsenal's draw with Bournemouth this week
Sanchez covers his head during the Bournemouth game

Alexis Sanchez showed his frustration during Arsenal's draw with Bournemouth this week

The Chilean forward's anger and upset was clear for everyone to see at Bournemouth 

The Chile forward's anger and upset was clear for everyone to see at the Vitality Stadium

Sanchez was visibly annoyed as Arsenal appeared to slip up in their chase of the title

Sanchez was visibly annoyed as Arsenal appeared to slip up in their chase of the title

With 18 months left on his contract at the Emirates and a queue of suitors in the market for a world-class talent should Sanchez decide to leave, there are growing concerns over Arsenal's star man.


So could the Gunners really lose Sanchez? Here, Sportsmail breaks down the situation.

 

So why is Sanchez so frustrated?

Sanchez's current situation of frustration can be put down to concerns about cash and competitiveness.

The Chilean wants to see a big jump in his wages at the Emirates Stadium as well as a clear indication that Arsenal will challenge for major silverware.

The Gunners have won just the one FA Cup since Sanchez arrived in 2014 and have never looked close to Premier League or Champions League glory.

Sanchez threw his gloves to the floor before walking off the pitch at the Vitality Stadium

Sanchez threw his gloves to the floor before walking off the pitch at the Vitality Stadium

In the Bournemouth draw, Sanchez saw Arsenal drop points at the top of the Premier League

In the Bournemouth draw, Sanchez saw Arsenal drop points at the top of the Premier League

That is a key reason behind the reaction seen at Bournemouth this week – Sanchez was witnessing Arsenal's title hopes fading in front of his eyes, again.

At the age of 28, he would like to add to the one league title he has won since coming to Europe, the 2012-13 La Liga triumph with Barcelona.

Whether that hope can be fulfilled at Arsenal remains to be seen.

 

How much money does he want?

Sanchez has been offered a deal worth £180,000 a week by Arsenal, but that is some way off his mammoth demands.

A figure of £250,000 per week is more to his liking, with the 28-year-old determined to hit the quarter-of-a-million mark if he is to sign a new contract.

His current deal, which expires at the end of next season, pays £130,000 per week.

Sanchez would like to add to the La Liga title he won with Barcelona in 2013

Sanchez would like to add to the La Liga title he won with Barcelona in 2013

Sanchez knows he could earn significantly more elsewhere, with a £400,000 per week offer from the Chinese Super League the most profitable option.

Arsenal would have to significantly bend their wage structure as a deal in line with the forward's demands would make him their highest earner by a significant margin.

 

What's he been saying?

Sanchez is keen to keep quiet on contract negotiations in public but did speak out about his stand-off with Arsenal last month.

'It really doesn't depend on me,' Sanchez said. 'If they want to show confidence in me, I'm very happy.

'It depends on Arsenal. I enjoy the relationship with the fans. I want to achieve more for them. I want to win the Premier League and the Champions League.

Ozil has put the ball in Arsenal's court in terms of meeting his expectations and demands

Ozil has put the ball in Arsenal's court in terms of meeting his expectations and demands

'I'm relaxed. I'm trying not to let it bother me. I've told my agent I don't want to speak about this.'

Sanchez has put the ball firmly in the club's court, challenging Arsenal to meet his high expectations.

 

And what has Wenger been saying?

Arsene Wenger was asked about Sanchez's Bournemouth post-match meltdown on Thursday and played it down, saying: 'We are all frustrated. Of course he (Sanchez) is fine.'

Previously he has made it clear there is plenty of time for Sanchez, and team-mate Mesut Ozil, to agree new deals at the club.

'Eighteen months is quite long in football. These players have 18 months, they will be staying 18 months and, hopefully, much longer,' Wenger said last month.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has tried to play down concerns about Sanchez's situation

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has tried to play down concerns about Sanchez's situation

'I don't believe that it is a problem.'

Wenger has rarely rested Sanchez in a bid to keep him happy. He had previously expressed an intention to moderate his playing time but the Chilean is a workaholic and does not take well to being dropped. 

 

What about Sanchez's agent?

Fernando Felicevich is the man in charge of Sanchez's negotiations with Arsenal – and he is believed to have been working with Ozil's representatives in sorting out the pair's contract talks with the club.

He is understood to have introduced the bargaining chip of that £400,000 per week offer from China for Sanchez's services and would have no shortage of suitors for his client if they decide to move on from Arsenal.

Mesut Ozil is another key figure that Arsenal are hoping to tie down to a new contract

Mesut Ozil is another key figure that Arsenal are hoping to tie down to a new contract

 

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So what happens next?

The next major steps in Sanchez's situation will come ahead of the summer transfer window.

If Arsenal feel they cannot convince their star man to stick around, they may go looking for a big-money move to ensure he does not walk away for nothing a year later.

The summer is also significant in terms of Sanchez's thinking. As this season goes on he will either see Arsenal provide evidence that they can challenge among the elite at home and in Europe – or they will fall short again.

The Gunners' performance in the big competitions will go some way to defining the Chilean's decisions – coupled with any transfer plans Wenger pulls together.

The next significant movements in the Sanchez situation will come ahead of the summer

The next significant movements in the Sanchez situation will come ahead of the summer