Alexis Sanchez Saga: Arsenal Set For “PR Hit”, Predicts Journalist

Ed Malyon discusses the Alexis Sanchez saga…

Arsenal are set for a “PR disaster” in the Alexis Sanchez saga should the Chilean refuse to sign an extension to his current contract, that’s the view of The Independent’s Ed Malyon.

Alexis has so far refused to give any indication on his future while speculation continues to be rife about a potential move to Manchester City.

The 28-year-old has been clear that he wants to focus on the Confederation’s Cup, a competition which ends this weekend, before making a public announcement on his future.

However, many need to be reminded that Alexis is still under contract and any decision on his future must be made by the club.

For Malyon, whether that decision is to sell the Chilean to a rival or risk losing him on a free next summer, Arsenal are in a lose-lose situation.

“Arsenal have ultimately got the decision, they can hold onto him and reject any bid,” Maylon told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“They either take £25-£30million this summer, or they lose him for nothing next year. What’s the worst PR hit? I’m not sure which one’s worse, to be honest.”

It is true that the club faces a tough situation, but it’s one they’ve allowed themselves to sleepwalk in given how obvious it was.

No top club across Europe allows players to run down their contracts with the same negligence we demonstrate; something which has landed us in the predicament we’re in.

Either way, it’s going to be difficult to explain it to an already hostile fanbase.

Source: BBC Radio 5 Live