Wenger transfer update: 'No progress' on Alexis Sanchez; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilshere to stay
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Updated 16/08/2017 at 08:24 GMT
Arsene Wenger says there has been “no progress” in contract talks with Alexis Sanchez and says he is prioritising sporting concerns over financial ones by refusing to sell the Arsenal forward.
Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal applauds the Arsenal fans during the The FA Community Shield between Chelsea and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 6, 2017 in London, England.
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Sanchez is into the final year of his contract and could leave Arsenal on a free at the end of the season, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City reportedly keen to capitalise on the situation by signing the Chile international for a fee of around £50-60m before the window closes.
Wenger has stubbornly refused to consider selling his best player, even if it means the club taking a huge financial hit in June, and says he is more concerned with the sporting benefits Sanchez can provide as Arsenal target a return to the top four, and a title challenge.
“We have not progressed on that front,” he said of talks with Sanchez. “At the moment he is player who goes into the final year of his contract and goes into the season. No progress on that.
On whether he was prepared to lose the forward on a free, Wenger replied:
That’s a consequence of what I said yes, unfortunately. We had to make a choice between efficiency on the field and financial interest and if you can find a good compromise that’s better. In this case I prioritise the sporting side.
On Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain...
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal is challenged by Riyad Mahrez
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Midfielder Oxlade-Chamberlain has been linked with a move to Chelsea, who are reportedly considering a £35 million offer for a player who is also in the final year of his contract.
But Wenger says he has no intention of selling the England international and expects big things from him.
Personally I want him to stay here for a long time. I'm convinced that he will be in the next two to three years the English player everyone looks at.
On Jack Wilshere...
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Jack Wilshere of AFC Bournemouth goes down injured during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and AFC Bournemouth at White Hart Lane on April 15, 2017
Image credit: Getty Images
Another player out of contract at the end of the season, Wilshere recently turned out for the Under-23s to signal his return to fitness following a broken leg sustained during a loan spell with Bournemouth last season.
The England international was recently linked with a surprise move to Championship club Aston Villa but Wenger says Wilshere will stay at Arsenal, for now at least. He said:
At the moment, yes, and I think I plan on him to be here for the whole season. After we will see at the end of the season.
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