Arsenal seemingly clarify futures of Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud as they launch new third kit
The pair have been linked with moves away from the Emirates this summer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal have seemingly confirmed that the futures of forwards Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud when launching their new third kit for the forthcoming season.
The pair were pictured modelling the new black and purple strip, alongside Theo Walcott, suggesting that they will also be seen wearing the kit throughout next season.
Sanchez has less than a year remaining on his current deal with Manchester City interested in signing him, but Wenger reaffirmed his intention to stand firm and not sell him to a Premier League rival.
When asked on Tuesday if Sanchez had asked to leave, though, Arsene Wenger replied: “No.”
He added: “The players have contracts and we expect them to respect them - that’s what we want.
“That is a continuation of what I said at the end of last season, that you wouldn’t sell him to another Premier League club.”
The Independent revealed on Monday that while the 28-year-old wanted to reunite with his former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, he was now resigned to Wenger digging his heels in and therefore preparing for a final season at the Emirates before leaving on a free next summer.
It is understood that only a bid of more than £90m would be enough for the club to even consider selling the Chilean to a rival.
Giroud is another who has been linked with a move away, either back to France or to money-spending Everton, as he seeks first-team football to make certain of his place in in Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad.
But Wenger made his position on Giroud equally as clear as the club touched down in Sydney for the start of their preseason tour.
“We extended his (Giroud’s) contract last year. Our resolution is clear. He’s been great value to the squad and I think he is a great lover of the club. He’s always been very determined to stay.
“It’s always the same problem - when you have one striker people ask ‘why don’t buy another?’ and when you have two or three they say they will be unhappy because there is too much competition. That’s part of the job.”
And having the pair central to the club’s kit launch suggests that they could well be central to the manager’s plans this season.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments