Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker wants Alexis Sanchez to stay and keep providing the Gunners' 'X-factor'

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Per Mertesacker believes it is vital that Alexis Sanchez remains with Arsenal this summer, as he is the man who provides the 'X-factor' for the team.

Sanchez has been linked with a Gunners departure all summer long, with a host of clubs including Manchester City, Chelsea and PSG linked with his services.

But, with the transfer window entering its final month, Mertesacker has expressed his desire for Sanchez to be wearing the red of Arsenal once more next season. 

Per Mertesacker has outlined his desire for Alexis Sanchez to remain with Arsenal this summer

The unhappy Chilean has been linked with a move away from the Gunners, with PSG linked

'I think everyone wants him to stay because he's a player with the X-factor and in the last season he has played some incredible games and he was our dominant goalscorer,' Mertesacker said following Arsenal's recent Emirates Cup clash with Benfica.

'But still, we're not focusing as much on that because it's another season and we have new signings as well and we're trying to focus on them,' he added. 

Sanchez was due to report back to Arsenal training on Sunday, but has been unable to link up with his team-mates due to illness.

The Chilean missed the Emirates Cup as a result, with a projected date of Tuesday given for his return to Gunners action.

Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez uploaded a photograph alongside his dog with the caption: 'Sick'

Sanchez took to social media site Instagram recently to upload an image of himself sat at home, along with the caption: 'Infermo / sick.'

When asked recently manager Arsene Wenger maintained his stance that Sanchez will not be leaving the Emirates this summer.

'There is no development in his future it is always the same. He is staying, of course,' he said.

Asked whether Sanchez has told him he wants to leave, Wenger added: 'I cannot reveal what he says, I can't reveal secret conversations.'