Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists Alexis Sanchez is not a 'mercenary' as his players continue to snub new Manchester United signing

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Arsene Wenger has leaped to the defence of Alexis Sanchez despite an apparent social media snub from his former team-mates.

The Arsenal manager insisted the Chilean, who completed his move to Manchester United on Monday, is not a mercenary for leaving the Emirates for Old Trafford.

Sanchez will earn a basic £350,000 per week at United, making him the best paid player in Premier League history.

Alexis Sanchez was officially announced as a Manchester United player on Monday evening

Arsene Wenger resisted the temptation to brand the forward a money-grabber

However, Wenger resisted the temptation to brand the South American a money-grabber. ‘Of course the financial aspect is important but he could combine both (by moving to United),’ said Wenger. ‘I think he’s going to a great club and he gets a great contract, so you can understand that a professional player can combine both aspects.

‘I ask you what is the difference between a professional and a mercenary? I wouldn’t say he is a mercenary. For me it is not a problem the money you pay. What is important is what you do once you have signed someone.

‘If I sign for Arsenal tomorrow for one pound then my responsibility is exactly the same if I sign for £100m. I will give my best once I signed. I don’t care what the others make.’

Wenger’s comments are in contrast to the social media blackout from Gunners players following Sanchez’s departure.

There has been a notable silence from Gunners players following Sanchez's departure

It is common nowadays for players to pay tribute to departing team-mates on their personal social media accounts.

A host of Arsenal players bid farewell to Theo Walcott and Francis Coquelin on their respective Twitter and Instagram accounts following their departures earlier this month.

However, not a single senior first-team player has posted a goodbye or good luck message to Sanchez since his move to United.

Several of them, though, have posted welcome messages to Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who arrived at Arsenal from United as part of the Sanchez deal.

A number of Arsenal players have been vocal in welcoming new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Sanchez endured a fractious relationship with a number of his Arsenal team-mates — particularly during the final months of his career in north London.

Some players and staff grew tired of his attitude and tantrums and believe team-spirit will improve now he has left the club.

Arsenal tried to keep Sanchez, offering him a new deal in the region of £250,000 per week.

But the Gunners simply had no chance of matching United’s eye-watering offer.

Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud has returned to light training after a hamstring injury.