Arsenal Legend: Sanchez Would’ve Stayed If Wenger Spent More On Transfers

Robert Pires has claimed that Alexis Sanchez was happy at Arsenal and only left because the club refused to invest in the transfer market (via Sport Witness).

It’s now surely just a matter of time until the deal is completed and Alexis Sanchez is a Manchester United player.

It’s a familiar feeling for many Arsenal fans but an interview with Robert Pires has revealed that this may not just be another case like Robin Van Persie.

Pires was asked about the claims made last week by Martin Keown that Alexis Sanchez is a “mercenary” and it’s fair to say he disagreed.

“No, he is not a mercenary. Martin is my friend, but I don’t think you can say that,” Pires told La Tercera.

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“That’s football, and if City does not want Sanchez anymore, it’s their problem. And if United wants him and is willing to spend a lot of money, good for him.

“But for me, Alexis wanted to stay at Arsenal. I have not talked to him, but what I see, what I smell, is that he was very good in London, very good in Arsenal.

“What Alexis wanted was for Arsenal to spend money on other players.”

Pires’ phrasing suggests that that is more of a feeling than a fact but it’s still an interesting insight. Arsenal have needed reinforcements in the transfer market for some time and while it seems like that investing is coming, it’s too late to keep Alexis Sanchez at the club.