Arsenal Transfer News: Alexis Sanchez to Snub Real Madrid for New Contract

Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez is reportedly ready to snub interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid in order to sign a new contract with the Gunners.

There have been stories linking the Chile international with a big-money switch to the Santiago Bernabeu, but according to Don Balon (h/t Jamie Sanderson of Metro), Sanchez will commit his future to Arsenal as he wants to sample Premier League success with the Emirates Stadium outfit.

The forward burst into life in October, leaving opposition defences powerless to cope with his play. Sanchez tore into Manchester United and Leicester City in brilliant wins for the Gunners, and his performances last month helped haul Arsenal up into the title race.

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As we can see here, it was a set of displays that helped the former Barcelona man pick up the coveted Player of the Month gong, per the PFA account:

According to Steve Stammers of the Daily Mirror, the Gunners are set to offer the forward a staggering new contract that’ll see Sanchez pick up a weekly salary of £135,000, making him one of the very top earners at the club.

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It’s a mantle Sanchez deserves. While Arsenal rely heavily on the goalkeeping of Petr Cech, the defensive ability of Laurent Koscielny and the majesty of Mesut Ozil, the presence of their No. 17 makes the XI a much more formidable proposition. Perhaps even contenders for the title.

Former England international striker Gary Lineker thinks this year could well be a glorious one for the Gunners:

While there are no massive concerns about Sanchez setting off for pastures new, should the 26-year-old pen a new deal at the club, then it’d give everyone associated with Arsenal another timely boost.

It certainly makes a refreshing change from a few seasons ago, when the Gunners seemed happy to let key players like Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri leave the club.

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At the moment, manager Arsene Wenger seems to have a squad of players that has the talent and the tenacity to go all the way in the Premier League, qualities which Sanchez embodies.

As the Arsenal News Twitter feed notes, his work rate really endears him to the fans and his team-mates, too, you suspect:

Sanchez can’t afford to be content when he does sign a new deal. As wonderful as he can be, there are spells in the season when he does retreat into a malaise, and that’s something Arsenal can’t afford if they are serious about winning the Premier League title. 

Wenger will be hoping a new deal will help trigger even more fireworks from his talisman on a much more consistent basis. If Sanchez can discover those levels frequently, Arsenal are well capable of securing their first league title in 12 seasons.