Alexis ‘could force Arsenal’s hand by ongoing contract snub’

Alexis Sanchez: Future under the spotlight

Alexis Sanchez: Future under the spotlight

Arsenal ‘could be forced to cash in on Alexis Sanchez this summer’ if the Chilean forward maintains his current refusal to sign a new contract with the Gunners.

The 27-year-old lit up the Emirates during his first season at the club last season but has seen the 2015/16 season disrupted by injury, though he has sporadically reminded Arsenal of his brilliance and his recent form suggests the former Barcelona star is returning to his best.

Bayern Munich have been linked with a move for the former Barcelona ace, while Juventus are the latest club to have expressed an interested in the player.

Arsenal chiefs met with Sanchez on several occasions earlier this season in a bid to thrash out a new deal with the club, and while an agreement wasn’t reached, Arsene Wenger also insisted he was confident of keeping the player, as well as his team-mate Mesut Ozil, after the Chilean intimated his happiness at the Emirates.

However, Sanchez’s mood has reportedly soured in the last couple of months and he stormed down the tunnel after being substituted in the Gunners’ win against Norwich City last month – while he also failed to acknowledge the club’s away support after their 2-2 draw at Manchester City on Sunday.

The Gunners remain hopeful that Sanchez will commit his future to the Emirates but, at 27, they know time is running out to make a return on the winger and they could cash in this summer if he refuses to extend his contract, according to the Daily Telegraph.