Arsene Wenger replies when asked if Alexis Sanchez is happy at Arsenal
The Arsenal manager insists Alexis Sanchez is happy at the north London club despite his subdued start to the new season
Arsene Wenger insists Alexis Sanchez is happy at Arsenal despite the striker’s subdued start to the 2017-18 season.
The Chile international was named in Wenger’s starting line-up for just the second time this season on Wednesday night.
The Gunners eased to a close-fought 1-0 win against Doncaster Rovers in the League Cup third round at The Emirates.
Sanchez opened his account for the current campaign with a brilliant goal in Arsenal’s 3-1 win against Cologne in the Europa League last week.
However, Wenger has resisted the temptation to hand Sanchez a starting spot in the Arsenal team since his disappointing return to the team in a 4-0 loss at Liverpool last month.
Indeed, the north London side produced a strong performance in a goalless draw with defending champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend as Sanchez came on as a second-half substitute.
Speaking at his pre-match media conference ahead of Arsenal’s home clash against West Brom on Monday, Wenger urged patience with the 28-year-old attacker.
“I think that [saying he is distracted] is coming into very quick conclusions,” Wenger said.
“He has been out and injured, I thought he was still a bit short physically on Sunday, and I played him against Doncaster to give him more competition.
“The the impression I have [is that he’s happy].”
Sanchez was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City in the summer transfer window but a deal failed to materialise.
The Arsenal forward has entered the final 12 months of his contract with the north London side following a £35m move to the Gunners in 2014.
