Alexis Sanchez was left out of the Arsenal’s squad for their 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth earlier today, and Gunners manager Arsene Wenger confirmed afterwards that he expects the Chile international’s future to decided in the next 48 hours.
Speaking to Sky Sports before his sides game at the Vitality Stadium, the French coach gave his reasoning for leaving the player at home when he said:
“He’s being vague at the moment. The situation is not completely decided one way or the other, so I left him at home.”
“Yes. Don’t read too much in it because even I don’t know which way it will go.”
Then after the game Wenger admitted that he actually expects the attacker to complete a move away from The Emirates imminently when he stated:
“I don’t master the rhythm of it, but it could happen today, tomorrow or not at all,” said Wenger.
“It will be decided in the next 48 hours.”
Until recently, it seemed that Sanchez would be moving to Manchester City to be reunited with his former manager at Barcelona Pep Guardiola.
However, it is now being reported that The Citizens are unwilling to pay more than £20 million for the player, and their arch rivals Manchester United have moved in to pole position to secure his signature.
The Old Trafford club are said to be prepared to pay a larger fee to Arsenal for the player, and have also put together a more lucrative offer in terms of wages.
The situation was further complicated this morning when it was revealed that Liverpool and Chelsea are both also interested in signing the player.
There is little doubt that Sanchez is a world-class talent, and would improve almost any team in the league, so it will be fascinating to see where he does end up over the next couple of days.