Wenger signed Chile's World Cup star last summer having feared he would end up at Anfield instead.

Liverpool were trying to get Sanchez as part of the deal to take Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

Sanchez snubbed Brendan Rodgers though and has been a big hit scoring 19 goals for the Gunners.

Wenger said: "At the end of the day only Sanchez can explain to you why he has chosen us.

"I don't know why he did that but we are happy that he made that decision.

"I was aware of Liverpool's interest. You never know if it's really true, but I thought it could be because of Suarez.

"It made sense - an exchange and some money for Liverpool."

STAR MAN: Wenger is hoping for big things from Sanchez against Liverpool [GETTY]

So far this season, Sanchez has been proved right.

Firth placed Liverpool are six points behind Arsenal in third place.

They have slipped from runners-up last season to a team desperately trying to make it into the top four to qualify for the Champions League this time around.

Arsenal in contrast are just one point behind Manchester City and are the form team heading into the home stretch with a run of six straight wins

And just to rub salt into the Anfield wounds, Wenger believes Sanchez would have been the perfect replacement for former Kop hero Suarez - because he's even better.

"They are similar types and I rate Sanchez at the top,' said Wenger.

"If you look at the qualities; efficiency, work-rate, fighting spirit, he is top.

"I don't know if he can be Player of the Year, I haven't thought about that and I'm lucky I don't have to do that.

"But when it becomes flat, he is a player that can revitalise the strengths and dynamics of the team and the supporters."

Liverpool arrive at The Emirates with a huge question mark over the Liverpool future of star player Raheem Sterling.

The England winger is refusing to sign a new deal and admits he was "flattered" to be linked with Arsenal.

But having previously tried and failed to lure Suarez from Anfield Wenger refused to be drawn on whether is willing to break the bank with a £50m move for Sterling.

"First of all, I didn't read the interview and I don't want to," he added.

"I am only interested in what I can influence and that is Arsenal's performance.

"The transfer period and everything else comes afterwards."