Jump directly to the content
Firing line

Alexis Sanchez ‘getting stick’ from Arsenal dressing room after failed Manchester City switch

Gunners striker Chuba Akpom has revealed how some of the Chilean's team-mates have been taking the mick over the move

ALEXIS SANCHEZ is getting stick from his Arsenal team-mates over his failed Manchester City move, according to Chuba Akpom.

The Chilean winger was set to switch the Emirates for the Etihad on deadline day before the Gunners pulled the plug on the £60million deal at the last minute.

 Alexis Sanchez has been getting stick from his Arsenal team-mates over his failed Manchester City move
5
Alexis Sanchez has been getting stick from his Arsenal team-mates over his failed Manchester City moveCredit: Rex Features
 Alexis Sanchez was close to a £60million move to Manchester City
5
Alexis Sanchez was close to a £60million move to Manchester CityCredit: Rex Features

And Akpom has revealed that some of the Gunners squad have been dishing out some banter to the former Barcelona star.

Akpom told the Daily Star: “We do banter about it to be fair.

“But at the end of the day, he’s still at Arsenal.

"Everyone is happy, the fans are happy and he’s happy.

“I think with a player like Sanchez he just blocks it out because all he wants to do is play football.

“He’s so focused on football, he blocks out a lot of negativity and transfer rumours.”

 Alexis Sanchez is now in the final year of his Arsenal contract
5
Alexis Sanchez is now in the final year of his Arsenal contractCredit: Rex Features

Akpom has struggled to cement a place in Arsene Wenger's first team and made just four league appearances.

But the 21-year-old who spent last season on loan to Brighton has revealed he is taking advice from Sanchez on how to advance his career.

Akpom added: “I’m always taking to Alexis, he’s like a mentor to me.

 Sanchez could still leave Arsenal for Manchester City in January
5
Sanchez could still leave Arsenal for Manchester City in JanuaryCredit: Rex Features
 Chuba Akpom has revealed Arsenal players have been ribbing Alexis Sanchez
5
Chuba Akpom has revealed Arsenal players have been ribbing Alexis SanchezCredit: Getty - Contributor

“He’s always telling me to believe in myself and he told he believes in me a lot and I should keep working hard.

“When you’re talking to one of the best players in the world and he’s saying he believes in you then that’s going to give you a boost.

“I’m just trying to emulate everything he does.”

Topics