Alexis Sanchez Says He Wants to Play in Champions League, Must Wait for Arsenal

Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez has indicated he could leave the club in order to play UEFA Champions League football after reiterating it's one of his chief priorities to remain involved in the competition.

The Chile international, who is in the final year of his contract at the Emirates Stadium, spoke to the media on Saturday and outlined his desire to feature in the Champions League, via Goal's Sam Lee:

The Gunners face a dilemma in whether to keep the forward and attempt to convince him to sign a new deal while running the risk of losing him for free next summer or they could cash in on his signature now.

Arsenal will not feature in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years next term, having finished fifth in the Premier League last season and thus failing to qualify for the 2017-18 tournament.

Steve Stammers and Simon Mullock of the Mirror recently reported manager Arsene Wenger's side would be willing to sell the South American to alleged suitors Manchester City—but only for a whopping £80 million.

There's an underlying concern Arsenal may have to lower that estimation or risk losing their man for nothing next summer, however, and Lee went on to voice his belief any talk of an extension on Sanchez's behalf is wide of the mark:

Tensions have been growing between Sanchez and his current employers for some time, and the Telegraph's Matt Law reported in May 2016 that there were doubts as to whether he'd sign a new deal, which have proved well-placed so far.

Sanchez's most recent comments come in stark contrast to those recently relayed by manager Wenger, who said he felt "positive" regarding the forward's future. 

Following Saturday's friendly win over Western Sydney Wanderers, Wenger was asked whether his talisman would remain in north London and said, per The Independent's Jack Austin: "Of course (he will stay). There is not a lot to resolve with the player. I have spoken through text and it was very positive. My thoughts are always positive."

Positive thoughts may not be sufficient to hold on to Chile star Sanchez after he issued a form of come-and-get-me plea with his latest statement of intent to play in the Champions League.

There appears to be little question over whether Sanchez would leave Arsenal for the right club should the offer come along, but there's no guarantee whatsoever that the Gunners will soften their stance on his sale.