Arsenal Transfer News: Alexis Sanchez Comments on Contract Talks

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez has stated the ball is in the club’s court regarding a contract extension and has insisted he is “very happy” at the Emirates Stadium. 

The Chile international has just 18 months to run on his current term, and his scintillating form so far this season has triggered some concerns about a possible departure. Speaking with Sky Sports' Geoff Shreeves ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Manchester City on Sunday, Sanchez opened up as to why he’s not agreed an extension yet:

"

I'm focused more on winning football matches - I’m staying concentrated on that. 

It really doesn't depend on me - if they want to show confidence in me. I'm very happy at the club. I love all the staff. I'm very grateful for everybody here. It depends on Arsenal.

I enjoy the relationship with the fans. I want to achieve more for them. I want to win the Premier League and the Champions League.

"

ADRIAN DENNIS/Getty Images

According to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, Arsenal have offered the player a salary of £180,000 a week as part of a potential extension, although the Chilean is said to be looking for a sum closer to £250,000. 

Per the report, Chelsea and clubs from the Chinese Super League are said to be interested in Sanchez; the 27-year-old could reportedly pick up a weekly salary of £400,000 if he did opt to move to China.

Cross also suggested the negotiations over a new deal for Sanchez could extend until the summer given neither party is seeing completely eye-to-eye on the terms of a new contract.

That’ll be a worry to Arsenal supporters, especially given just how well their No. 7 has performed this season. ESPN FC recently summed up just how effective he has been in the final third for manager Arsene Wenger’s side:

Finding a player who can replicate that return would be a huge challenge for Arsenal. But Sanchez’s influence on the field extends beyond the figures aforementioned, as he has so many positive traits in his game that enhance the rest of the team.

Clive Rose/Getty Images

After moving up top this season, Sanchez has set a blistering tone for the Gunners. His work rate has allowed the team to press higher up the pitch, while his subtle movements and brilliant technical ability has helped create space for Mesut Ozil, who is enjoying his best goalscoring season in an Arsenal shirt, too.

His desire to win possession back high up the pitch is infectious, as these numbers from WhoScored’s Ben McAleer illustrate:

Needless to say, it’s key Arsenal keep hold of the player. Sanchez has evolved into a genuine world-class talent this term, and while the Gunners will feel they are offering a sizeable package to the player, it doesn’t compare to some of the sums the forward could earn elsewhere. It leaves Sanchez in a pretty strong negotiating position.

If he keep up this excellent run of form for the rest of the season, more pressure will be on Arsenal to give in to the demands of their star man.