Arteta and Sanchez played together during the era of legendary French manager, Wenger at the Emirates
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta has told former Gunners striker and Chile international, Alexis Sanchez, he cannot return to the Emirates Stadium for a second spell.
The duo played together during the era of the legendary French manager, Arsene Wenger at the north London club.
Sanchez is out of contract with French Ligue 1 side Marseille at the end of the month, but the club are keen to extend his deal for another season.
He was one of the French club’s standout players during the 2022/23 season, scoring 17 goals in all competitions as the team finished third in Ligue 1 table.
The 34-year-old remains keen on playing Champions League football and has already rejected an offer to play in the Saudi Pro League.
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Sanchez through his representatives is currently exploring the possibility of rejoining Arsenal this summer transfer and they have already contacted the Premier League club about a potential return.
But according to Chilean newspaper La Tercera, Arsenal’s Spanish boss, Arteta was ‘direct’ in his response to the player’s representatives and made it clear that the striker does not fit into his plans for the team going forward.
Sanchez spent just under four years at Arsenal and helped the North London club win two FA Cup trophies during his time at the club before he made a surprise move to Manchester United in January 2018.