Joey Barton reckons that Alexis Sanchez should do his best to get Arsenal back into the Champions League before he leaves at the end of the season.

Even Barton can see that Alexis can’t wait to leave Arsenal once his contract expires at the end of the season. However, the opinionated midfielder believes that the least the Chilean can do to win over the respect of the Gunners’ fan base is help get the club back into the Champions League.

“He’s a magnificent player,” Barton said on talkSPORT, reports the Express.

“You want to see him fit and playing. 

“I think he’s going to leave by the looks of it at the end of the year. 

“Why not leave Arsenal with your reputation and status amongst the Arsenal fans as high as he possibly can? 

“Try and get them into the Champions League. It’s a tough ask, but…”

The 28-year-old scored 30 goals over all competitions last season, including in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley against Manchester City, his probable destination in June. However, while he’s found the back of the net once in the Europa League this season, his performances have been lacking and it’s not gone unnoticed.

The forward, who many claimed would be too professional to sulk this season, looks as if he’s doing just that and it’s not going down well with Arsenal fans.

While Arsene Wenger insists that Alexis isn’t quite fit, which is why he’s only made one Premier League start so far this term, most people have come to their own conclusions on why the experienced international is playing so strangely.

Helping Arsenal get back into the Champions League would be a great parting gift but I don’t see it happening. Firstly, because the Gunners are currently down in 12th place and secondly because Alexis looks like he can’t be bothered.