Alexis Sanchez has been trying to engineer a return to Arsenal – but Mikel Arteta just isn’t interested.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has slammed the door shut on a potential return for Marseille attacker Alexis Sanchez.
That is according to a report from La Tercera over in Sanchez’s native Chile.
It’s stated that Sanchez was desperate to return to Arsenal and his agents contacted Arteta to offer the chance of a reunion.
Arteta was made aware that Sanchez would do whatever it took to make a return to Arsenal, but it wasn’t enough.
The report claims that Arteta made it clear to Sanchez that he isn’t interested in a deal and the forward doesn’t fit into the club’s plans.
Sanchez is still interested in a return to the Premier League though and specifically London, though it’s unclear whether any clubs are keen.
Sanchez, 34, is out of contract this summer after an impressive campaign, bagging 18 goals in 44 outings for Marseille.
Now available on a free, Sanchez wants one last crack at the Premier League – but it won’t be with Arsenal.
Arsenal right to avoid Alexis Sanchez
We would forgive Arteta for having an emotional connection to Sanchez.
Arteta and Sanchez played together 18 times for Arsenal and tasted defeat just four times in that run.
The Spaniard can have no room for sentiment though as Arsenal attempt to chase down Manchester City next season.
Signing Sanchez would go against what Arsenal have been building of late.
The Gunners have created a young, vibrant team and moved away from committing big money to players in their 30’s.
Sanchez may not require big wages anymore but it would still mean bringing in a 34-year-old when Arsenal are going for younger players.
Sanchez was impressive last season but a return to Arsenal just doesn’t add up right now, especially after his rather unpopular 2018 exit.
Maybe Arsenal will face Sanchez as a Premier League player next season, but Arteta is making the right choice here.
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