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Arsenal Transfer News: Alexis Sanchez Rumours, Latest on Olivier Giroud
July 23, 2017
Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez is asking for a weekly salary of £500,000 from Paris Saint-Germain ahead of a possible transfer.
That's according to Simon Mullock of the Sunday Mirror, who stated those demands are keeping Manchester City in the hunt for the Chilean's signature. Sanchez has under a year to run on his contract, although Arsenal have been insistent he is not for sale.
The Gunners would also be unwilling to sell Sanchez to a Premier League rival in City, although according to Mullock, the player is giving the Manchester outfit an outside chance.
"Having lost Dani Alves to PSG earlier this month, when the Brazilian accepted a £240,000-per-week contract that doubled what was on offer at the Etihad, the Blues' Abu Dhabi owners are banking on Sanchez pricing himself out of a move to France to play for a club backed by rivals Qatar," Mullock noted.
It was also reported PSG are ready to offer £40 million for Sanchez, who enjoyed a sensational 2016-17 season. However, B/R's Dean Jones suggested the Chilean is keen to work with City boss Pep Guardiola again, having linked up with the coach previously at Barcelona:
According to David Hytner of the Guardian, Arsenal will seek to keep Sanchez on the basis of "long-term financial thinking." That is to say if the forward fires the Gunners back into the UEFA Champions League, the financial gains would offset the fact he could leave for free next summer.
Even so, there will be plenty tied to the Emirates Stadium club willing to draw a line under this saga and focus fully on next season. And while there would be obvious reservations about selling to City, if PSG can strike a deal with Sanchez and Arsenal for the right price, it may suit all parties.
Robert Pires Wants Olivier Giroud Stay
Arsenal legend Robert Pires believes the club should think twice before selling striker Olivier Giroud this summer.
Alexandre Lacazette's arrival has cast doubt over the future of Giroud, who only started 11 games in the Premier League last term. But Pires has backed his compatriot to fight for his spot in the side and play a decisive role in a big season for the Gunners.
"I believe in Giroud as he loves to fight, fight the good fight—and not for himself, but for the team," Pires said, per Mark Brus of Metro. "If you want to win the title, you need everybody, and Arsenal need Giroud."
As reported by Layth Yousif of MailOnline, West Ham United and Everton have both been linked with a move for the 30-year-old. It is said Giroud is set to make a decision on his future soon.
Per Squawka Football, the Frenchman has been a consistent source of goals for Arsenal in recent seasons:
He may not boast the craft of Sanchez or the raw pace of Lacazette, but the former Montpellier man has proved himself to be a fine option for his side since arriving in 2012. Giroud's holdup play is impeccable, his technical ability is outstanding and his ability in the air is supreme.
With the FIFA World Cup to come at the end of this season, the striker will want to be at a club where he can play regular games and show France manager Didier Deschamps he's ready to lead the line in Russia. It's unlikely he'll get that opportunity at Arsenal this season.