Alexis Sanchez wasn't allowed to join Manchester City but has not won his place back at Arsenal

That is the verdict of pundit and former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton.

Sanchez was desperate to move to Premier League rivals Manchester City during the transfer window but a move failed to materialise after Wenger failed to land Monaco ace Thomas Lemar.

The Chilean's contract runs out in 2018 and he has no intention of putting pen to paper on a new deal at the Emirates.

And Sutton believes Wenger needs to make the most of the time he has left with the forward.

"I was surprised that Alexis Sanchez was left out by Arsene Wenger against Chelsea last week," Sutton wrote in his Daily Mail column.

"After all Arsenal's stubbornness in refusing to sell the striker, why not use him?

"But I don't think Wenger was trying to say there's no player bigger than the club by benching the Chilean.

"The manager maybe felt Sanchez wasn't up to speed. Still, I can't see him being left out against West Brom on Monday night, particularly with Danny Welbeck out.

"If Arsenal want that X-factor in the final third then Sanchez is their man."

Sanchez hasn't started a league game for Arsenal since the club were hammered 4-0 by Liverpool at Anfield before the international break.

Days later, Sanchez was close to joining Pep Guardiola's in-form City squad.

Alexis Sanchez's last league start saw him substituted on the hour mark against Liverpool

And Sutton admits it was the right decision to keep the 28-year-old at the club.

"Wenger wants him there and I admire his stance in keeping him," added Sutton.

"After all, how would you replace Sanchez?

"Having £70m is good but not as good as having Sanchez."

The former Barcelona man is in the frame to start against West Brom this evening.