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‘He will accept that’

Arsene Wenger insists Alexis Sanchez will stay at Arsenal and his decision is final

Gunners boss says Chilean star, who has been strongly linked with PSG and Manchester City, could even remain beyond this season

ARSENE WENGER has insisted contract rebel Alexis Sanchez will remain at Arsenal this season - and says the Chilean star could stay even longer.

The Gunners boss said his star striker, who has been the subject of intense transfer speculation, would accept his “clear decision”.

 Alexis Sanchez and Arsene Wenger share a joke during training on Wednesday
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Alexis Sanchez and Arsene Wenger share a joke during training on WednesdayCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Sanchez takes on Granit Xhaka during an open training session on Thursday
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Sanchez takes on Granit Xhaka during an open training session on ThursdayCredit: Getty - Contributor

Sanchez returned to training on Tuesday after an extended break due to the Confederations Cup and a bout of flu.

And after the Chilean took part in an open training session at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday, Wenger said: "My decision is clear, he will stay. He will accept that.

"The frame of mind of a footballer is quite easy - once you go out into the game, you focus on that. (He is) good, you can see it in training.

"He needs to work on his fitness but he is sharp and looks like he has never been away.

"I think he will be here for this season. If we manage to do it for more seasons we will."

The former Barcelona star's contract runs out in 12 months and he has been refusing to sign a new deal.

 Sanchez embraces team-mate Danny Welbeck before training on Thursday
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Sanchez embraces team-mate Danny Welbeck before training on ThursdayCredit: Getty - Contributor

Arsenal are understood have offered £275,000-a-week but Sanchez is holding out for more or a move away from North London.

The 28-year-old has been heavily linked with a £50million move Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City.

It had even been feared he could go on strike to force through a transfer.

But Gunners fans were given a major boost when images emerged of Sanchez kissing the Arsenal badge during pre-season training.

 Sanchez’s return to training for Arsenal has heartened Gunners fans
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Sanchez’s return to training for Arsenal has heartened Gunners fansCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Sanchez puts in some pre-season gym time after returning to Arsenal this week
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Sanchez puts in some pre-season gym time after returning to Arsenal this weekCredit: Getty - Contributor

Wenger had made it clear Sanchez would not be sold to a rival Premier League club, with Chelsea also having been linked with a swoop.

And now the Frenchman appears to have put his foot down with eight days until they open their campaign at home to Leicester.

Sanchez was Arsenal’s top scorer last season with 30 goals in all competitions.

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