Always a key player for Arsenal since his arrival from Barcelona back in 2014, Alexis Sanchez, in Olivier Giroud’s absence, has thrived particularly this season playing up top.
Joint top scorer in the Premier League with Diego Costa following his hat-trick against West Ham at the weekend, the Chilean star is still a topic of uncertainty off the pitch, with contract renewal talks still a problem.
With a contract running out at the end of next season, Sanchez could be a target for clubs next summer, and unless Arsenal offer him what he wants, he could start looking for a final European paycheque somewhere else.
One man, however, who believes he should stay in London beyond his current contract is former Valencia and Middlesbrough winger Gaizka Mendieta.
Speaking to AS, the 42-year-old said: “He’s enjoying himself, and not just because of the goals. He’s a well respected player in England, and with his mentality, character and determination, he’s ‘infected’ his teammates.
“He’s found at Arsenal the place he couldn’t have at Barcelona when he was with very important players. From my experience as a player, you want to be in a place where you feel wanted and respected and I think for him that’s Arsenal. He needs to continue there.”
The former player continued that if the Premier League club ‘aspired to be in the Champions League and won trophies’, then it would be very difficult for Alexis to want to leave.
With Wenger’s future also in doubt, maybe the player is just waiting to see whether the Frenchman renews at Arsenal, and, if not, who replaces him come the end of the season?
