Alexis Sanchez Knows Where He Will Play Next Season, But Refuses To Reveal Decision

Alexis Sanchez has decided whether he will remain with Arsenal next season, although he added he will not reveal which team he will be playing for until after the Confederations Cup.

Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez Says He Is Focused On Confederations Cup Final vs Germany

The 28-year-old Chilean forward’s contract with the Gunners expires in the summer of 2018, and he has been targeted by several European teams in the last few months. Manchester City have emerged as one of the frontrunners to sign Sanchez, and Pep Guardiola’s club is hoping he will complete a £50 million ($65 million) transfer from Emirates Stadium.

Guardiola brought Sánchez from Italian club Udinese to Barcelona in the summer of 2011 and worked with him there for one season. The Chilean then joined Arsenal in 2014 on a £31.7 million ($41 million) transfer fee.

However, Sanchez — who is also reportedly being pursued by Bayern Munich — told Sky Sports in an interview this week that all of his attention is currently focused on winning the FIFA Confederations Cup. Chile is facing Germany in the tournament final in St. Petersburg, Russia on Sunday.

When asked whether he had made up his mind about which team he would call home next season, Sanchez laughed and said, “Yes, it’s clear but I can’t tell you.”

The forward then said he was focused on international play when asked whether there was a strong possibility he could join his international teammate, Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, at Manchester City later this year.

“Good question,” Sanchez told Sky Sports. “Right now I’m focused on the Confederations Cup. When this is finished I will see if I stay or if I go. I don’t know.”

Chile defeated Portugal 3-0 on penalties following a 0-0 tie in Wednesday’s Confederations Cup semifinal to reach the title game of the tournament, which pits together the champions from each of the six geographic regions plus the host nation and the reigning FIFA World Cup winner.

Arsenal are desperate to keep Sanchez, who has thus far not signed a new contract reportedly worth more than £250,000 ($325,000) per week. BeIN SPORTS reported early Friday that the team’s longtime manager, Frenchman Arsene Wenger, refuses to let Sanchez and German midfielder Mesut Ozil leave. 

Sanchez was Arsenal’s top scorer last season with 30 goals in 51 appearances for the team. Nevertheless, he was unable to help the Gunners secure a top-four Premier League finish or qualification for the Champions League.

Sanchez also helped Chile win consecutive Copa America titles in 2015 and 2016. Chile defeated Argentina on penalty kicks in both finals.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 16: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on May 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)