Sanchez puts onus on Arsenal to end contract stand-off
- by Grant Boone
- in Sports
- — Dec 18, 2016
Xhaka was joined in the session by the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez as Arsenal continued their preparations for the game against Pep Guardiola's men.
The 27-year-old Chile global star, who is the top scorer for the Gunners this season, has only 18 months remaining on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium.
"I'm focused more on winning football matches - I'm staying concentrated on that", he told Sky Sports when quizzed over his desire to sign a new deal. "I'm very grateful for everybody here".
Sanchez's current deal at Arsenal will run down after the end of the next season. "I'm achieving my objectives", the 27-year-old added.
"It depends more on Arsenal". I love all the staff. "I enjoy the relationship with the fans".
"If Arsenal want to be a force, they need to keep these players". Sanchez has scored 14 goals and laid on eight assists in 22 appearances, and helped Arsenal top their Champions League group to qualify for the last-16 as well as maintain their title challenge - though Tuesday's defeat by Everton came as a setback that leaves them six points adrift of leaders Chelsea.
Sanchez has apparently been offered £180,000 to commit his future to Arsenal which would be a huge increase on the £130,000-a-week deal he signed two years ago. But Sanchez's influence on the field extends beyond the figures aforementioned, as he has so many positive traits in his game that enhance the rest of the team.
After moving up top this season, Sanchez has set a blistering tone for the Gunners. He could score, play one-twos with you, pass the ball and hold it up too.
"What gets him so much respect is his work rate". Sanchez has evolved into a genuine world-class talent this term, and while the Gunners will feel they are offering a sizeable package to the player, it doesn't compare to some of the sums the forward could earn elsewhere.
Talks initially began earlier this year but with Özil heading to the European Championships with Germany and Sanchez featuring in Chile's successful Copa America campaign, Arsenal were happy to put negotiations on the backburner.
