Former Valencia winger, Gaizka Mendieta, believes Alexis Sanchez should stay at Arsenal beyond his existing contract, which ends in 2018.

The Chilean has been linked with a move away to all manner of teams, including Chelsea. However, Mendieta recently told AS that he believes Alexis should stay in north London as that’s where he’s respected.

“He’s enjoying himself, and not just because of the goals,” Mendieta said.

“He’s a well respected player in England, and with his mentality, character and determination, he’s ‘infected’ his teammates.

“He’s found at Arsenal the place he couldn’t have at Barcelona when he was with very important players. From my experience as a player, you want to be in a place where you feel wanted and respected and I think for him that’s Arsenal. He needs to continue there.”

The same goes for Mesut Ozil. Both stars could jump ship to a ‘bigger’ team for a bigger wage. However, at Arsenal the two have a whole team built around them. They are the stars. And while there are plenty of other world class players in the current Arsenal squad, Ozil and Alexis are head and shoulders above everyone.

Although either could fit into most squads, could they really promise them the consistent, full matches Arsene Wenger can at Arsenal? I doubt it.

Alexis has kicked it up another notch recently and if he was to leave, this could halt his development. I’m sure he knows this. Hopefully he stays.