John Hartson has said that Alexis Sanchez must play well ahead of his inevitable move from Arsenal.

Alexis came close to leaving Arsenal on the final day of the summer transfer window but the club decided that he couldn’t leave after failing to sign a replacement.

There were fears that Alexis wouldn’t give his all for the club after the controversy. However, former Arsenal striker John Hartson isn’t worried about that, as he feels Alexis will want to impress his new club.

“Remember, he’s playing for his next move,” Hartson told The Daily Star.

“The boy either sulks for four and a half months – although he doesn’t he seem like a sulker – or he gets over it.

“He knows he’s getting a move now, it’s set in stone, the ball is in his court.

“His contract is running down and he’s not going to sign a new one. He’s got to show a good attitude for his form and own mental state.

“If Pep Guardiola sees his attitude is terrible and he doesn’t perform, I’m not saying he won’t get his move because I still think Pep will come in for him.

“I think he will get his head down and play to the best of his ability while he’s at Arsenal.”

A fit and focused Alexis would be a benefit to everyone involved. Arsenal would get their best player playing well and helping them win games, while Alexis would keep his reputation intact.

So far, the signs suggest that Alexis isn’t going to sulk. He looked lively in his cameo in the 3-0 victory over Bournemouth, and while his performance wasn’t the best against Cologne, he scored an outstanding goal.

Away from Arsenal, Chile sit sixth in the South America World Cup qualifying section and are struggling to qualify for this summer’s World Cup. Alexis will need to be at his best if Chile are to turn their bad form around.

Alexis’ contract expires in the summer.