Talks between Arsenal and Alexis Sanchez over extending his contract in north London have reportedly slowed down with the Chilean apparently pushing for a set release clause in his contract.

Release clauses are commonplace in most football contracts nowadays it seems, especially with the amount of money being banded about for any player deemed slightly-better-than average, so firstly, if the reports are true, this isn’t a massive issue.

What is does suggest, however, is that the forward isn’t willing to fully commit his future to the Gunners, which is also pretty common in football these days. Just because Alexis wants the option to leave should another club come in for the right amount, isn’t something we should necessarily be panicking about.

And, as I said, this might not even be true.

WATFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Watford and Arsenal at Vicarage Road on August 27, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
WATFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Watford and Arsenal at Vicarage Road on August 27, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

On the plus side, it does appear that he is willing to at least sign a new contract with us since he can’t have a release clause put in other wise… soooo… there’s that.

Look, at the moment, both Mesut Ozil and Alexis have two years left on their existing contracts and the transfer window is shut. So, even if there were to leave, it hypothetically wouldn’t be until January or later.

Ignore the tabloids. I’m sure Arsenal are working on negotiations and if not, it’s out of our control. There’s no point stressing.