Alexis Sanchez hasn’t played anywhere near his best this season. Many blame the Chilean’s desire to leave as a reason for his struggles, but could Arsene Wenger be to blame?

The Alexis to Man City rumours started all the way back in 2015, but the Gunners rejected all advances at the time. The forward still had a long contract, but the gossip must’ve put doubts in his min, especially if Arsenal weren’t challenging for major honours.

Last week, we reported the news Alexis ‘verbally agreed’ a new deal with Arsenal earlier this year, before the second 5-1 loss to Bayern Munich changed his mind. It seems he was considering staying, until a fiasco deadline day toyed with his head and soured the relationship between club, manager and player.

Wenger was adamant Arsenal wouldn’t sell this summer, but then accepted a £60m bid from City on the final day of the summer transfer window, only to change their minds later that day. The Chilean was very upset with the way Arsenal dealt with things, and his agent said they’d “not forget” it.

So, the Gunners had decided a position, regardless of Alexis’ wishes, then reversed that twice in a day. No wonder he’s having attitude problems. It’s not like the 29-year-old was an angel last season, however.

There were pictures of him stropping on the bench even before the Bayern results. So maybe Arsenal’s treatment is just an easy excuse for a player who was already acting poorly. He just doesn’t have as many goal contributions to cover it up anymore.