Alex Hleb believes that Alexis Sanchez could still sign a new contract with Arsenal.

Alexis’ contract expires in the summer and the expectation is that he will be leaving the club.

However, Hleb believes that the Chilean could still sign a new contract once he assesses his options in January.

Speaking before Arsenal’s game against BATE Borisov on Thursday, Hleb told The Independent: “I think he will wait until the winter, see how the team are playing and maybe sign a new contract. Performances like the one against Chelsea are encouraging.

“Why not stay at Arsenal? It’s a great club with huge tradition, great fans and Arsene Wenger as the manager. They can achieve things. Why leave?”

The former Arsenal midfielder also believes that Alexis has been professional since his failed move to Manchester City and that he will continue giving his best for the club.

“Arsenal found themselves in a very difficult situation with Sanchez. On one side, if he doesn’t want to play for the team you could say it would have been better to sell him for good money.

“On the other hand, he’s such an important player for Arsenal and is a leader. I have seen him play this season [against FC Köln and Chelsea] and he still fights, gives his best and scores goals. He looked professional rather than angry that he didn’t get his move to Manchester City.” 

Alexis’ desire to leave Arsenal seems to be related to a lack of major honours since joining the club from Barcelona in 2014.

Finishing outside the top four would not have given him any confidence that Arsenal would be winning the Premier League or the Champions League any time soon.

However, him remaining at the club for the final year of his contract does give Arsenal the opportunity to convince him to stay.

The best way of doing that will be to perform well and challenge at the top of the table.

For Arsenal to do that, Alexis need to be at his best. So far, the signs are that he’s taking some time to get to the level he was at last season.