'Animal' Alexis Sanchez staying at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger says
Monday 24 April 2017 13:21, UK
Arsene Wenger says Arsenal's "animal" Alexis Sanchez will still be at the club next season.
Sanchez scored a second FA Cup semi-final winner in three seasons on Sunday as his extra-time goal saw Arsenal past Manchester City.
The Chile star is approaching the final year of his contract and talks over an extension are on hold until the summer.
City are understood to be interested in signing Sanchez but Wenger, whose own deal is up at the end of the season, has again ruled out selling his top scorer rather than risk losing him for nothing in a year's time.
Live Nissan Super Sunday
"Alexis Sanchez was like the team," Wenger said after taking Arsenal to a record 20th FA Cup final. "He had problems to start and became stronger and stronger.
Trending
- Ref Watch LIVE! Should Estupinan have been shown RED at West Ham?
- 'Cultural overhaul needed' | Neville slams 'mediocre' Man Utd
- Transfer Centre LIVE! Could Maguire leave Man Utd for free next summer?
- World Darts Championship schedule: Cross headlines Monday's action
- Papers: Rashford loses Man Utd dressing room after public comments
- Usyk on perfect rival Fury | Rematch ‘too early’ for Dubois
- Trent's exquisite passing explained in numbers
- Goals galore! Liverpool trump Spurs in NINE-goal bonanza
- Liverpool latest: Wherever I end my career, I'm happy - Salah
- Football latest: Souloukou named new Nottingham Forest CEO
"He is an animal, always ready to kill the opponent. He will never give up. He will be here next year because he has a contract and hopefully we will manage to extend."
Sanchez, shortlisted for the PFA Player of the Year award in two of his three Premier League seasons, and Mesut Ozil are the most high-profile of several Arsenal players whose contracts are due to expire in 2018.
Ozil this month told Sky Sports he will resume talks in the close season, while Wenger wants to keep Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs are also inside the final 18 months of their deals.
