With Arsenal failing to qualify for the champions league for the first time in twenty years, speculation that Alexis Sanchez would leave the club began almost instantly. Sanchez was the stand out performer in a distinctly average Arsenal last season registering 30 goals and 13 assists in all competitions and winning the clubs player of the year award.<\/p>\n
Arsene Wenger has been very clear that the Chilean is not for sale but there\u2019s a problem. He has taken that stance on countless occasions in previous windows, and each time Arsenal have eventually buckled.<\/p>\n
In 2007 Wenger was adamant that Henry would remain an Arsenal player, even describing Barcelona\u2019s interest as made up \u2013 exactly as he has done with Sanchez now. But within two weeks of those remarks the French striker was holding up a blue and red shirt. Again in 2011 Fabregas was adamant that he wanted to return to Barcelona and in the end, Wenger could not stand in his way. Similar situations involving Van Persie, Nasri, Adebayor, Clichy and Viera all ended with the same outcome. Is history repeating itself at Arsenal?<\/p>\n
Alexis was expected back in training on Sunday before succumbing to the flu, with the player confirming via Instagram last week that he was \u2018sick\u2019, which Arsene Wenger later confirmed was true.Sanchez is now back on English soil and there will surely be further developments over his situation as he has made it clear he wants to be playing in the Champions League. With only one year remaining on his contract will Arsene really risk losing his star man on a free, given his track record it seems unlikely.<\/p>\n
Arsenal face a trip to Wembley this Sunday to play Chelsea in a repeat of last year\u2019s Fa Cup Final. Having already lost 3-0 to Chelsea in a lacklustre preseason performance, Arsene will be keen to prove his team are ready for the season ahead in the traditional curtain raiser. It remains to be seen whether or not Sanchez will have a role to play and non-inclusion will only add fuel to the rumours that his departure is inevitable.<\/p>\n
Will Sanchez force a move from Arsenal? Or is the speculation blown out of proportion? It seems the community shield will provide some answers.<\/p>\n