Arsenal: Who Can Blame ‘Mind Made Up’ Alexis Sanchez?

Alexis Sanchez’s ‘mind’s made up’ in wanting to leave Arsenal, according to journalist John Cross. If that is the case, who could blame the Chilean star?

As the aftermath from Arsenal’s 5-1 dismantling at the hands of Bayern Munich continues, there is one, prevalent conclusion drawn from the embarrassing result and performance. The future of the club, both short and long-term, is far from defined.

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With his contract expiring at the end of the season, there have been major questions surrounding the future of Arsene Wenger, the man who has led the club for over two decades. Mesut Ozil was heavily criticised after a lethargic and apathetic display. While the continual onslaught against the Gunners’ lack of leadership continued thanks to a pathetic second-half collapse after Laurent Koscielny was forced off due to injury.

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Another’s future that has been called into question is Alexis Sanchez’s. The Chilean has become increasingly frustrated with his teammates amid continued disappointments in the big games, displaying such frustrations in the closing stages of the loss to Bayern, hunched over to the side of the pitch as Thomas Muller twisted the knife with a fifth goal. With a little over a year remaining on his contract, there have been significant rumours linking him with a move away from North London.

The latest to have his say is the Mirror’s John Cross, who stated that Sanchez has made his mind up regarding an impending departure:

"“I think Sanchez will go. His mind’s made up. I think there’s big clubs in for him – PSG, Juventus as well. But I do think Ozil is much more likely to stay and sign a new deal than Sanchez.”"

Cross’ statement is not particularly groundbreaking. In fact, I would expect Sanchez to want to leave given his desperate fight to win that is seemingly unmatched by his teammates and even his manager. The Chilean is clearly frustrated with the lack of ambition at the club and, with his contract running down, now has the power at the negotiation table to dictate his terms.

And who would blame him for attempting to force an exit? Sanchez is the best player in the Arsenal squad by some distance, is a natural born winner, something that the club is not. It would be a surprise if he did not want to leave.

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The future of Alexis Sanchez is cause for concern. If he does leave, then Arsenal will have to invest in trying to find a sufficient replacement. As time passes, it is becoming more and more likely that he will choose to leave the Emirates, and who can blame him?