Ray Parlour is convinced that Arsenal are in a strong enough financial position to let Alexis Sanchez leave on a free next summer.

The Arsenal legend is convinced that Arsenal can afford to let Alexis leave for free when his contract runs out at the end of next season.

“Arsenal are in a different position now than when Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie and Cesc Febregas left the club,” Parlour told talkSPORT.

“Financially, back then they had to get the money back into the club to pay for the stadium and whatever, but now they’re in a different position.

“Arsenal are in a position where they can keep [Sanchez] and he’ll play this season before walking out on a free transfer, they’re in a position where they can do that now.

“Arsenal might be in control of the situation more than people think.”

Alexis has been linked with Manchester City, who are supposedly willing to spend £60m on the 28-year-old, and PSG, who have just coughed up £198m on Neymar.

If Arsenal turn down the chance to sell the Chilean now, they’re potentially missing out on between £50m and £60m, which is enough to buy a decent replacement. Although considering the state of the market right now, this isn’t guaranteed.

I agree with Parlour that Arsenal are probably in a strong enough financial position to let Alexis go for free in 2018. As we previously reported, The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust described the club as being in ‘rude financial health’ back in May.

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The question is whether the board are WILLING to lose out on such a large chunk of cash as they ultimately have the final say.

Arsene Wenger insists that Alexis is staying and, to be fair, talk of him leaving as quietened down over recent weeks.

The forward could feature for the first time this season against Liverpool on Sunday after returning from an abdominal problem.