Arsène Wenger has told the member’s day press conference that he is still certain Alexis will stay, adding how sharp the Chilean has looked after returning from his holiday.

The media circus around Alexis Sanchez has continued to run riot during his summer holiday, claiming that he had agreed a move with Bayern, then Manchester City, then Paris Saint-Germain, without a single bid being confirmed by any reliable source.

Wenger has been clear throughout that his intention was to keep the player, at least for next season, with a view to offering a contract this season. When asked about the situation at Thursday’s press conference, he replied:

“He is focused. My decision is clear, he will stay. He will accept that. The frame of mind of a footballer is quite easy – once you go out into the game, you focus on that.”

While reassuring that Wenger doesn’t have plans to negotiate, it is slightly less encouraging to hear that Alexis will have to “accept” the situation. It doesn’t sound like the Chilean has been telling the club that he even wants to be here.

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ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – AUGUST 01: Alexis Sanchez with Arsenal fitness coach Barry Solan during a training session at London Colney on August 1, 2017 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

However, as the manager added, once Alexis is on the pitch it doesn’t seem likely that there will be any problems. The former Barcelona forward wants to play and win matches, this is all Arsenal need him to do this season.

Maybe a strong campaign and more silverware will convince him to sign a new deal. On the subject of how Alexis looks ahead of the coming season, Wenger said: “(He is) good, you can see it in training. He needs to work on his fitness but he is sharp and looks like he has never been away.”

Again this is no surprise, fans on social media often speculate that Alexis doesn’t really have a holiday, just a period of time where he plays football and works on fitness somewhere more exotic.

Whether it’s enough for him to be involved at the weekend for the Community Shield agaisnt Chelsea, we’ll have to wait and see.