Arsene Wenger will be striking a blow for football if he keeps hold of Alexis Sanchez.
But, more importantly, he will be striking one for himself.
A little glimpse at the inner workings of the Frenchman’s mind a couple of days ago showed that he believes Arsenal have a better shot at winning the title this season.
“It’s a good opportunity for us to focus completely on the Premier League,” said Wenger ahead of today’s Community Shield showdown.
But he ain’t gonna do it without his star man.
Now the cynics – or Tottenham fans among you – might point to the fact that Wenger doesn’t have any choice.
He’s not in the Champions League so it would be pointless wasting energy upon it. Good point.
However, for so long now the words coming out of Wenger’s mouth have concentrated on the Champions League.
When you have the lead weight of a state-of-the-art stadium to pay for, it’s fair enough. When you don’t, fans begin to grumble.
Wenger can do himself a power of good if he gives the title a genuine crack – and to do that he needs Sanchez.
Without him, forget it.
The former Barcelona man is the difference. And it doesn’t really matter how Arsenal keep hold of him – it just matters that they do.
Despite a summer-long propaganda campaign that’s been in the very best spirit of ‘top player wants more cash shocker’ Wenger appears pretty confident the Chilean will stay put, even though Manchester City and Bayern Munich are circling
Wenger’s stance this week – in fact, ever since the spotlight zeroed in again on the subject – has been simple.
“We’ve had a chat. I’m not going to tell you what was said – that would be professionally reckless – but I’m confident he’s staying.”
It’s rumoured that Sanchez has been kept onside by the offer of a new one-year contract on significantly better terms than his current one.
Even if that costs Arsenal an extra £5-10million, so what? What would be the cost of signing a player of Sanchez’s worth? Given the current market rate, following the switch to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona of Brazilian star Neymar, about £198m.
In the grand scheme, it’s peanuts.
If title favourites, Pep Guardiola’s City were looking to sign the player, they’d be looking at an overall outlay approaching £100m.
On that basis, handing over a new deal – even if it doesn’t extend the player’s contract – has got to be worth it.
Sanchez scored 30 goals in all competitions for Arsenal last season. Thirty goals.
It’s little surprise his future has dominated the agenda at the Emirates during the summer. It’s no surprise either that it dominates Wenger’s.
A new deal keeps Sanchez happy. And, more importantly, it keeps him at Arsenal.
For Wenger that could be the difference between really taking a pop at the Premier League crown and finishing also-rans. Again.
So, don’t expect Wenger to go hammer and tongs at the Europa League in the early stages.
He has made it very clear where his priorities lie this season.
He has no Champions League football.
He is going to pay little regard to the Europa League.
Don’t forget, success domestically would be one in the eye too for the punters who have been howling for his removal from the Emirates.
It will prove to them once and for all that the manager has still ‘got it’.
But to do it, he really needs Sanchez to stay put.