Former QPR loanee and current Chile international Mauricio Isla has revealed Alexis Sanchez’s reaction to missing out on a move to Manchester City.
Sanchez believed that Arsenal had agreed to sell him to City on transfer deadline day but he remains with the Gunners and could play this Saturday against Bournemouth.
He was roundly criticised in Chile for his performances in defeats to Paraguay and Bolivia that leave them likely to miss out on the World Cup.
Speaking to the Chilean press, Isla said:
“Alexis is at a top club like Arsenal but he was very happy to move on to another big club (Man City).
“After the news came and he was not able to sign the contract, Alexis felt sad and surely that affected him.
“The transfer was very important to him but it did not happen.”
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown had this to say on Sanchez:
“Sanchez is an emotional player who seems incredibly low at the moment as a result of not getting what he wants.
“But this is a player who loves football. He wants to play and win and must refocus on this as he rejoins his Arsenal team-mates following the international break.
“Manchester City may try again for Sanchez in January but the player should now be looking to leave with dignity at the end of the season having given his all for Arsenal.
“There are lots of factors to consider, of course. It can have a toxic effect on the dressing room if all the talk is about players wanting to leave.
“But this situation has demonstrated just how stubborn Arsene Wenger can be. He will not be dictated to by a player in this way.
“If Sanchez wants to make a fool of himself and down tools, then that is up to him.”
