Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez set for summer transfer after series of rows saw him dropped against LiverpoolStar who showed a bad attitude during and since Bayern thrashing has made it clear he wants to go — and boss Arsene Wenger felt weekend axe was best for the squad
BYJOHN CROSS
18:00, 5 MAR 2017UPDATED18:05, 5 MAR 2017
Alexis Sanchez was dropped and is on his way out of Arsenal after a series of rows with manager Arsene Wenger.Striker Sanchez has made it clear he wants to quit this summer amid his contract stalemate, with Paris Saint-Germain firmly leading the chase.
Wenger’s patience finally snapped last week over his star forward’s attitude, and believed leaving him on the bench at Liverpool on Saturday night was the best option for the sake of team harmony.
Mirror Sport can reveal it all stems from a simmering row after Sanchez’s performance and attitude in the stunning 5-1 loss at Bayern Munich on February 15 in the first leg of a Champions League last-16 tie.
Wenger was furious with Sanchez for being selfish, turning on his team-mates both out on the pitch and after the game.
That has continued in training, with Sanchez’s attitude and work-rate both being questioned behind the scenes because he has become increasingly difficult to manage.
It is understood there have been several rows with the 28-year-old, because Wenger feels it has been affecting the rest of the squad.But Sanchez, who has been offered a new contract worth £180,000-a-week to replace one due to expire next year, has also made it clear that he wants to go.
French champions PSG have been courting him for months, are willing to pay around £300,000-a-week and believe they are in pole position to sign him in the summer.
The latest flare-up came last week with Wenger frustrated that Sanchez has seemingly made up his mind to go and that is why he left him out.
The former Barcelona star was furious, threw another strop and sulked about being left out.Sanchez was understood to be fuming even after the Liverpool game, which saw him come on as a halftime sub, and barely able to contain his anger.
Serie A champions Juventus are also in the chase to sign him.
But sources close to the former Udinese forward believe he is reluctant to go back to Italy — while he would only return to Spain if it was a huge offer, amid doubts over Atletico Madrid’s interest.
Meanwhile, Mirror Sport understands Wenger has now agreed terms on a new two-year contract to stay at Arsenal - but has not signed it.
He is believed to have had further discussions on his future and the contract has been drawn up, but the Frenchman is acutely aware of the fans’ frustrations and has yet to make a definitive decision on his future.
Sources close to Wenger believe it is “50-50” as to whether he stays or goes, with the board weighing up potential replacements in case the 67-year-old walks this summer when his current deal expires.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenals-alexis-sanchez-set-summer-9970720
