Arsene Wenger has rubbished reports Alexis Sanchez has told Arsenal he wants to leave this summer.
Wenger gave a curt "no" on Tuesday when asked about speculation out of Chile that the international forward had informed him of his desire to exit the north London club in a bid to play Champions League football with Manchester City.
The long-time manager continued to dig in over Sanchez's future despite wide speculation linking the 28-year-old to a reunion with former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.
It's led many to believe he could yet stay at Arsenal for the final year of his contract despite his refusal to sign a new deal at the Emirates.
Wenger, in Sydney for a two-match pre-season friendly series with A-League clubs Sydney FC and Western Sydney, reiterated his resolve not sell Sanchez to a Premier League rival.
"Nobody knows today if Sanchez will be in the final year of his contract, because he can extend his contract with us at the start of the season or during the season," Wenger said.
"So it's not necessarily the last year of his contract at Arsenal football club."
Sanchez has been spared the long trip to Australia after playing with Chile in the Confederations Cup.
Another target of speculation, Olivier Giroud, arrived with a star-laden travelling squad in Sydney on Tuesday morning.
The French striker is reportedly a transfer target for Everton as well Marseille and West Ham.
Giroud lost his place up front for much of last season in favour of Sanchez and, at times, Danny Welbeck, prompting him to express his desire to play more regularly.
The arrival of record-signing and compatriot Alexandre Lacazette could further limit his minutes, but Wenger insisted Giroud, who signed a contract extension in January, was of great value to the squad.
The Arsenal boss confirmed that Lacazette will play a role in Thursday's match with the Sky Blues before backing up for Saturday's clash with Western Sydney.
"Lacazette will make his debut here, yes," Wenger said.
"On Thursday night he will certainly play a part in the game. In the two games, he will take part."
The capture of the versatile 26-year-old, who scored 100 goals for Lyon in 203 Ligue 1 appearances, is a coup for Wenger whose side missed a top-four finish and Champions League qualification in the worst league campaign of his 21-year tenure.
The club's other summer signing, Bosnia-Herzegovina international Sead Kolasinac, has also travelled and could play a role in their first Australian tour in 40 years, before they continue preseason preparations in China.
Wenger admitted to knowing next to nothing about Sydney FC or the Wanderers.
"Just that they have been very successful," Wenger said.
"We have not [had] the privilege to watch Australian football in England, but the good part for us is to adapt quickly to a team we don't know."