Alexis Sanchez played no part in Arsenal’s Community Shield win over Chelsea on Sunday, but he still managed to cause a stir by waving to the fans.
That was interpreted by many as a goodbye gesture, now that he is in the final year of his contract and is refusing to sign an extension.
Arsene Wenger has continuously reiterated his stance that he would rather let the Chilean leave for nothing in a year’s time than sell him to a rival club now.
And remarkably, the Mirror claim the forward is now ready to accept that decision.
It’s become increasingly difficult for the 28-year-old to get his move. Paris Saint-Germain seemed like a likely destination, but that was before they broke a world record to bring €222million man Neymar to the Parc des Princes.
Staying in north London may actually work to Sanchez’s advantage, as with the World Cup in Russia just a year away, he will spend the season as his club’s star man, rather than risk becoming a small fish in a big pond.
His decision also makes Arsenal’s pursuit of Thomas Lemar less urgent, as Monaco are continuing to play hard ball over the starlet.
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