Alexis Sanchez is not sure whether he will sign a new Arsenal contract, reveals club legend Robert Pires
Frenchman casts doubt on Gunners star extending his stay at the Emirates Stadium
ARSENAL legend Robert Pires has cast doubt on Alexis Sanchez penning a new deal at the Emirates by admitting the Chilean “doesn’t know” where his future lies.
The striker is out of contract in 2018 and has yet to agree to an extension with the Gunners.
He has been offered a huge pay rise to move to the Chinese Super League and, along with Mesut Ozil, wants to see a significant hike in his earnings to remain in London.
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Inter Milan and Juventus have also joined the chase for the ex-Barcelona hotshot, and now Arsenal ambassador Pires has admitted the star is unsure whether he will remain with Arsene Wenger’s men.
Speaking to , he said: “I spoke to Alexis last week and asked about the renewal. He told me he didn’t know, that he only cared to play.
“The renewal is not a subject for Alexis. He doesn’t know what is going to happen, he just wants to play and enjoy.”
On the attempts to lure Sanchez to China, he continued: “Yes, that’s what we all know. All we want is for Alexis to remain at Arsenal.
“I hope he renews his contract because he is a wonderful player. Alexis is the engine of the car. I hope he stays forever.”
Sanchez is Arsenal’s main weapon in their continued fight to overthrown Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.
His 17 goals and 13 assists this season have been vital for Wenger’s men, with his latest strike from the penalty spot earning a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Burnley on Sunday.
Pires knows how important Sanchez is to the club, and says the winner against the Clarets showed exactly what the attacker is made of.
He added: “It was impressive. Alexis doesn’t know what the pressure is.
“You have to think that the 98th minute was being played and Arsenal weren’t winning by a three or four goal difference. It was one-one. You have to have a lot of balls to take penalties like Alexis does.”