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Arsene Wenger

LONDON. — Arsene Wenger says there has been “no progress” on agreeing a new Arsenal contract with Alexis Sanchez, who should be fit again soon.

Wenger insists that financial implications are not important when it comes to Sanchez entering the final year of his Arsenal contract.

Sanchez (28) has under 12 months to run on his current deal and would be able to depart the Emirates Stadium for nothing next summer if he doesn’t sign an extension.

Wenger has remained untroubled by that prospect and says the potential impact of Sanchez on the field this season will outweigh any financial losses if he leaves for free.

“He is a player who goes into the final year of his contract,” said Wenger. “We have not progressed on that front.” The Gunners boss looks resigned to Sanchez leaving north London for free next summer.

“Let’s not be wrong, it’s not an ideal situation on the financial side and it demands some sacrifice,” he admitted. “But first of all, it doesn’t mean the players who are in the final year of their contract will not extend their contract. You have still that possibility and we work on that as well.

“That (possibly allowing Sanchez to leave for free) is a consequence of what I say, yes, unfortunately.“But we have to make a choice between efficiency on the field and financial interest and most of the time if you can find a good compromise, it’s better. But in this case, I think I prioritise the fact that he will be useful on the sporting side.”

Wenger refused to compare the situation to that of Diego Costa across the capital at Chelsea however, claiming Arsenal still very much wanted Sanchez to stay.

“No, I don’t think Costa has one year to go,” he added. “We want (Sanchez) to be with us, Chelsea does not.”

The Chile forward was unlikely to be fit enough to return from an abdominal injury to be in the squad at Stoke on Saturday. — Sky Sports