Arsenal's Desire to Keep Alexis Sanchez Reportedly Based on Long-Term Finances

Arsenal will reportedly refuse to sell Alexis Sanchez for both financial and footballing reasons in the current transfer window. 

The Chilean forward has been linked with a possible summer exit, and with just one year remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal risking losing the player on a free transfer at the end of the 2017-18 season if they don't cash in. 

But, as reported by David Hynter of the Guardian, the Gunners believe it'd make financial sense to keep Sanchez despite interest from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, even if he moves on for nothing.

"The Champions League is worth roughly £40 million per year to the club and, with Sanchez playing alongside the new £53 million signing, Alexandre Lacazette, they would be hopeful of making it back into the group phase of the competition," said Hynter. "Without him the probability would drop, increasing the likelihood of a hole in the finances."

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

In the piece it's also noted how Manchester United have had to pay new signings a premium on wages when they have missed out on Champions League football in recent years. "The longer a club spends outside Europe's elite competition, the more such hidden costs rise," Hynter continued.

As noted in the report, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has made it clear the club will not entertain offers for the player this summer. "Arsenal's stance is categoric," it's noted.

However, as we can see, Sanchez has recently outlined his desire to play in the Champions League, something Arsenal can't offer him this term:

Even if Sanchez does want to move on this summer, as things stand Arsenal look set to stand firm and resist any approaches for him.

Not only would Sanchez be worth keeping around if he was going to fire the club into the Champions League again next season, for a potential transfer fee of £50 million, getting in a replacement for the former Barcelona man would be almost impossible.

Zak Kaczmarek/Getty Images

While Lacazette is an exciting capture, he's not the type of footballer who could fill the void left by Sanchez. 

As these figures show, since joining the Premier League side from Barcelona, Sanchez has been a potent threat:

If Arsenal did opt to keep Sanchez whatever the cost this summer, they also keep alive the prospect of him signing a new deal at the Emirates somewhere along the line.

Sanchez has an insatiable appetite for the game and is the type of footballer who will channel his focus and energy once he steps out onto the field. He can't afford otherwise with the FIFA World Cup to come at the end of the campaign.

The prospect of Sanchez, Lacazette and Ozil linking up will be an exciting one for Arsenal supporters, too. Even if it is only for a solitary campaign.