“He Stays” – Arsene Wenger Says He’s Told Alexis Sanchez His Decision & He’ll Respect It

Arsene Wenger finalises Alexis Sanchez saga…

Arsene Wenger has made it clear that the decision on Alexis Sanchez’s future has already been made: the Chilean stays for the remaining year of his contract.

It’s a decision which will surprise many around the world given our tendency to sell when players refuse to commit beyond the final year of their contract, illustrated by the departures of Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy and Robin van Persie.

However, we’re clearly in a different financial space in recent years and the club’s prepared to take a huge financial hit on Alexis in favour of sporting goals.

We’re no longer a Champions League side and if we’re to get back into Europe’s premier club competition, Alexis will play a major part in us getting there.

“My decision is clear – he will stay and he will respect that,” Wenger told the press ahead of the Community Shield clash against Chelsea.

 “It is not information anymore, it is suicide.

“He will be here for this season and if we manage to do it for more seasons, we will do it as well.”

While this is essentially a football decision, it will have a knock-on effect financially in the long term.

Our two main sponsorship deals are up in less than two years, which means negotiations are probably well underway with both a kit manufacturer and the main sponsor.

Being in the Champions League is probably crucial to those negotiations, and it’s imperative we get back in that competition.

source: Guardian Football