Does Arsenal need to win the title for Sanchez to stay?

Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez has been in scintillating form this season for Arsenal

Without a doubt, one of the best players in the Premier League right now is Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez.

No matter what former England international Alan Shearer has to say, the Chilean is world-class.

His hat-trick in Arsenal’s recent 5-1 mauling of West Ham summed the former Barcelona star up perfectly.

He showed skill, vision and even a spot of cheekiness for his third goal in chipping the Hammers ‘keeper.

Gunners set for another difficult draw

Sanchez’s Arsenal are set to play their last game of the Champions League group stage when they visit Basel on Tuesday night. A 2-2 draw against PSG last time out means that the French club are in control of the group.

That means that the Gunners have to better PSG’s result against Bulgaria side Ludogorets. Bearing in mind what has gone on before in the group it looks very unlikely that PSG will slip-up against their Bulgarian visitors.

That means the prospect of Arsenal facing one of Europe’s big guns in the last-16 of the competition. The Gunners achilles heel in Europe in recent years has been finishing second in their group and then exiting in the round of 16. It is now a familiar theme for the club from north London.

Arsenal were always going to be outsiders to win the competition. However, it would have been nice for their supporters to see their side go deeper into the Europe’s elite competition this season. I doubt Sanchez or anybody else would be looking forward to another last-16 exit in the Champions League.

Doubts over his future

Arsenal fans and officials are starting to become twitchy over Sanchez’s future. The Chilean will have just 12 months left on his contract next summer. Talks over a new deal for the Chilean star are reported to have stalled, as the Chilean is believed to be demanding £290,000 per week to sign a new deal.

Losing Alexis Sanchez would be a major blow to Arsenal. The Gunners have at times in the last decade sold their best players on the cheap due to the fact that they have run their contracts down. The Gunners are arguably now in a better position than in previous campaigns.

However, if Sanchez ran his contract down to 12 months and still there was no sign of him signing a deal. Then the north London club would obviously have to think about selling him.

In truth, Sanchez is Arsenal’s best player and losing him would maybe be a sign that the club are not ambitious enough. Some of the doubts about signing a new deal are rumoured to be connected with the Gunners not being able to win the big trophies.

Arsene Wenger’s side always seem to be the bridesmaid, but never the bride in the race for the Premier League title. Maybe a title triumph this season would convince the South American star to sign a contract extension.

Sanchez will have been accustomed to fighting for the big trophies at Barcelona. Maybe the Gunners need to convince him that that can happen with them.

Outsiders for the Premier League title

Arsenal are second in the Premier League. However, the Gunners are regarded as the fourth favourites to win the title this season at odds of 7/1.

It seems like Arsene Wenger’s side are outsiders for the title this season. They are in the race, though. Alexis Sanchez could be the key to their title challenge. He is the sort guy that will give his all and play through the pain barrier.

Some will see Sanchez stalling on signing a new contract as the forward wanting more money. However, maybe the reason he has not signed a new deal is more of a sporting one.

If the forward was made available for transfer there would only be a select group of clubs who could afford him. Arsenal’s title rivals Manchester City have been talked about as a prospective destination for the forward.

City would easily be able to afford his wages and he would no doubt add something to their attack. However, there seems to be a feeling that the player is happy at Arsenal. However, maybe feels that he could win more silverware elsewhere.

If Arsenal can somehow change that feeling by winning the title, then I am sure Alexis Sanchez is more likely to sign a new deal in north London. If not, then unfortunately for Arsenal and their fans I do believe there is a strong possibility the Chilean may be heading for the exit next summer.

Does Arsenal need to win the title for Sanchez to stay?