Arsenal could risk missing out on mega-millions if they choose not to sell star forward Alexis Sanchez this summer.
The Chilean has just one year left on his contract at Arsenal, which means he would go for free next season if no new deal is struck before then.
Speaking on talkSPORT earlier, ex-Arsenal and Leeds striker Alan Smith said: “What the owners would think about keeping a player you could get £60m for, and then letting him go for nothing in 12 months time, I don’t know.”
“Its a no-brainer, you’ve go to let him go, get the money and move on.”
The 28-year-old was expected to return to training on Sunday, but the striker posted on Instagram claiming to be ill earlier today.
Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are the two teams in pole position to swoop in for the player, as he demands Champions League football.
PSG have reportedly had two bids of £44m and £35m rejected by the North London club.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is adamant that the forward will remain at the club, which is similar to the iterations he made when discussing the futures of Robin Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas before they departed.
Smith expressed his concerns over the detrimental affect the Alexis transfer saga could have on the team.
He said: “Arsene Wenger says he is determined not to sell him, but he seems determined to leave.”
“If you’ve got an unhappy player, a bit like Coutinho at Liverpool, that’s not a great situation to have in the dressing room.”
Wenger previously revealed that Sanchez and German defender Shkodran Mustafi would both be back training this weekend.
The forward will inevitably miss this weekend’s Emirates Cup, when Arsenal take on Benfica and Sevilla in their annual curtain-raiser.
How did Sanchez perform in fantasy football last season?
- Second highest rated player (7.76) in the Premier League last season, behind only Eden Hazard
- Registered 30 goals and 13 assists in all competitions
- Highest points scorer on Dream Team with 340 points
- Want him in your fantasy football team this season? Sign up now
Since the Chilean has been on holiday since appearing for Chile in the Confederations Cup, he may need a few games to get back to match fitness.
Wenger will be hoping Alexis can get some match practice before the Gunners take on Leicester City on the opening day of the Premier League season.
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