Per Mertesacker is convinced that Alexis Sanchez is staying at Arsenal next season.
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Mertesacker has revealed that he ‘definitely’ expects Alexis to stay at Arsenal next season despite strong rumours that the Chilean is set to reunite with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City this summer.
“Yes, definitely,” the giant centre-back told Fox Sports [via Metro] when asked if he expected Alexis to stay at Arsenal.
“We have a strong squad and we do not want to lose any players.
“Even in their final contract year we need them. We cannot afford to lose them. If you’re talking about championships, to keep our best player is key.”
Arsene Wenger has never wavered over Alexis’s future at Arsenal. The manager has always said that even if the 28-year-old doesn’t accept the club’s offer of a new deal, he will stay in north London for the remainder of his contract, even if that means losing him on a free next year.
It appears that Mertesacker and Wenger are singing from the same hymn sheet. Arsenal as a club seem set on keeping this squad together for as long as possible, even if that means risking making a ‘loss’ further down the line.
Whether Alexis will actually be playing in red and white next season remains to be seen since, if reports are to be believed, the forward genuinely wants out.