Despite claiming that he’s happy at the club, Alexis Sanchez has given a very frank interview with Sky Sports’ Geoff Shreeves saying that the ball is essentially in Arsenal’s court when it comes to a new contract.

Now, on one hand, it’s brilliant that he’s happy. He praised the staff and, more importantly, the fans. However, he wants the club to show confidence in him and claims that it’s up to Arsenal.

“I’m focused more on winning football matches – I’m staying concentrated on that,” he said.

“It really doesn’t depend on me – if they want to show confidence in me. I’m very happy at the club. I love all the staff. I’m very grateful for everybody here.

“It depends on Arsenal.

“I enjoy the relationship with the fans. I want to achieve more for them. I want to win the Premier League and the Champions League.”

What could he mean by this?

Well, his comments come at the same time that there are reports of a £400,000-a-week move to China. As well as links with Chelsea and rumours that he’s asking for £250,000-a-week.

While I don’t want to believe that the Chilean is just in this for money, Arsenal have shown confidence in him in every way. He plays week in, week out, everyone loves him and we’ve made it clear we want him to stay.

So, it’s far more likely that the ‘confidence’ he refers to is financial.

The thing is, he has a point. The man’s joint top goalscorer in the Premier League (12) and is on fire. If you look at any player of his calibre, they ARE earning £250,000+ a week.

It might be ridiculous but it is what it is.

Now that he’s publicly made his stance known, if Arsenal don’t pay what he wants, the fans would not be happy, to say the least. Him and his team know this.

Therefore, this gently applies pressure on the club to give him – and the fans – what they want.