Jamie Redknapp has insisted that Arsenal can’t afford to lose Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean’s current contract runs until 2018 and he is yet to sign on the dotted line.
Sanchez is delaying a contract extension as he wants a huge increment in his current wage. The ex-Barcelona player currently earns a £130,000 a week and has been demanding a salary in the range of £250,000.
Arsene Wenger had a history of losing key players in crunch times. Robin Van Persie left Arsenal to join United and went on to lift the Premier League title for them. Samir Nasri also made a switch to Manchester City and won two Premier league titles with the Citizens.
Redknapp said, “The problem Arsenal have is he’ll know his market value – and he’s reportedly received some big financial offers from China.
“He’ll also know there’s interest from other Premier League clubs, as well as the major teams in Europe because he’s only got 18 months remaining on his contract. Apart from Barcelona, there’s no team he wouldn’t get into.
“Arsenal can’t afford to lose him. On the pitch, he’s their top scorer. Their talisman. But off the field, his departure would also send out the wrong message to players Arsenal are trying to sign. They want to come to the club because it’s one of the best in the world but also because of players such as Sanchez who are there.
“His exit would give players like Mesut Ozil reason to question whether the club is going in the right direction, too – and an excuse to consider their own futures.”
