Aaron Ramsey

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hit back at Thierry Henry for the comments made in the aftermath of the Gunners' 3-2 win over Crystal Palace. Henry had claimed that there had been a split within the Gunners squad after a section of the players refused to celebrate alongside Alexis Sanchez for his first goal.

However, in the following game, the entire team went to celebrate Sanchez's contribution after his free-kick deflected off James McClean to find the West Bromwich Albion goal. The match eventually ended 1-1 owing to a controversial penalty for the Baggies at the end, and Wenger took time to indirectly criticise Henry for his thought.

He said: "I don’t know, I don’t listen to what he says and other people says. We focus on our own problems, that’s the only thing. There are people who are paid to talk, it’s difficult sometimes when you are paid to talk, to talk, to talk and only say things that are true and intelligent."

Sanchez's future has been a topic of speculation since the start of the campaign, and the rumours don't seem to cease with the Chilean having entered the final six months of his contract. Wenger has repeatedly stressed that Sanchez could honour the remainder of his existing deal, but recent reports suggest that he may loosen his stance, should a tempting offer be placed on the table.

Manchester City are, for now, the leading candidates to pursue the former Barcelona man, and this quest could be intensified by a knee injury to Gabriel Jesus, which could potentially sideline him for a couple of months at the least.
The Citizens failed with a £60m offer for Sanchez in the summer, but it is suggested that they could come up with a renewed £40m offer for his services amid interest from overseas clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.