Arsène Wenger has denied that there are any similarities between Alexis’ situation and Diego Costa’s at Chelsea.
Alexis has moved into the final year of his contract with the Gunners, and hasn’t yet declared any willingness to stay beyond this current deal. Meanwhile, Costa’s relationship with Chelsea has broken down completely, and he’s made a statement saying that he wants to leave, but Chelsea won’t let him.
When asked about the similarities between the two situations, Wenger was definitive in his answer, telling reporters: “No comparison at all. We want Sanchez to be with us but I’m not sure whether Chelsea want Costa to be with them.” (Quotes via BBC)
Although Costa claims that Chelsea won’t allow him to leave, it does seem unclear whether they really want him there. Reports in June revealed that Conte had texted Costa to tell him “you are not in my plan”.
Meanwhile Arsenal have never shown any willingness to lose Alexis Sanchez. There have been rumours of multiple contract offers, but regardless of this Arsène has been very clear that he intends to keep the Chilean, at least for one more year.
Alexis may want to leave the Gunners, but he hasn’t made any such statement publicly, and is yet to hand in any form of transfer request. The closest he came was an interview earlier in the summer where he stated that he wanted to play in the Champions League, but then who doesn’t?
Arsenal fans can be glad that their star man hasn’t resorted to making statements and going on strike, and hopefully the Chilean will be back playing for the club before long.