Alexis Sanchez has spoken out for the first time amid uncertainty over his Arsenal future and has has hinted he wants to extend his stay at the Emirates although that is entirely in the hands of the club.
The 27-year-old’s current deal is due to expire in 2018 and Arsenal have been locked in contract talks with the Premier League star to extend his stay all season, although the player’s wage demands have proved the ultimate stumbling block so far.
Arsenal’s latest offer was to hand Sanchez an increase of his £135,000-a-week wages to £195,000-a-week but Sanchez, who admits he is happy at the club, is reportedly not willing to budge on his demand of earning quarter of a million pounds every week.
“It really doesn’t depend on me,” he told Sky Sports, via The Guardian. “If they want to show confidence in me. I’m very happy at the club. I love all the staff. I’m very grateful for everybody here. I’m focused more on winning football matches - I’m staying concentrated on that.
“It depends on Arsenal. I enjoy the relationship with the fans. I want to achieve more for them. I want to win the Premier League and the Champions League.”
To add to Arsenal’s problems, Sanchez has reportedly been offered a staggering £400,000-a-week offer from China, which the former Barcelona ace appears to be using to help along Arsenal’s contract offer. Not only that, but Chelsea are also understood to be monitoring the situation with a view to make a sensational move for the Chile international.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty around Sanchez’s future, the talks have not effected his performances on the pitch. Only Eden Hazard (7.94 rating) has a higher WhoScored rating in the Premier League than Sanchez (7.92) this season, who has played a direct hand in 17 goals in 16 appearances (12 goals, five assists).
For more stats on Alexis Sanchez, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
