Tony Cottee says the only reason Alexis Sanchez would stay at Arsenal until the summer would be to earn himself more money.

The Chilean is in the final six months of his contract with the Gunners, so he can leave on a free transfer in the summer. However, after Gabriel Jesus’ injury, some are suggesting Alexis could move to Manchester City in January instead, to bolster their own attacking options.

Cottee says the only reason for him to wait on a move would be for a bigger pay day, explaining: “Purely from a player’s point of view, he needs to sit tight if it’s about money.

“He’s just got to sit tight because at the end he’s going to get a stack-load more money at the end of the season by being a free transfer than if he moves now. If it’s about money. If it’s about football, he’ll sign for Manchester City and move on.”

Of course, the 29-year-old is almost certainly set for a wage increase whatever happens. If he signs a new deal with Arsenal, his wages will go up. If he moves to City, his wages will go up. In fact, staying with the Gunners for six months is the only way his wages stay the same, so I don’t think money is too much of a consideration here.

The main thing on Alexis’ mind must be the direction of the two clubs. You’d like to think he wants to help Arsenal get back into the Champions League, but realistically I can’t see him preferring that over helping City complete an invincible Premier League season.

I guess it just comes down to whether the Gunners feel they can replace him.