Arsenal have enjoyed a successful summer by landing Sead Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazette but their positives are being overshadowed by speculation in the media, which continues to suggest that Alexis Sanchez is on the way out.

The Chilean ace has entered the final 12 months of his current deal with Arsenal and returned to the club later than initially scheduled, with the South American claiming to be ill, and a big week is ahead of Arsene Wenger’s side.

Arsenal’s French boss has remained adamant throughout the summer that Alexis would not be sold this window but the fact Arsenal risk losing their star-man on a free transfer at the end of the season is a big concern, leading many to suggest they should cash-in.

Whilst it’s understood that Alexis has not requested a transfer, the situation could change and Alexis returned to London yesterday with his agent- making one of two scenarios likely to happen; either he requests to leave or opens negotiations on a new contract.

Arsenal will certainly have a massive hole to fill in their squad if the two-time Copa America winner does leave but the Gunners need to sit down and have a frank discussion with their superstar, as a quick resolution is needed to the speculation.

If Alexis is to stay, then he needs to make a public announcement confirming that’s the case and then knuckle down in training to prepare for the new season. If he’s leaving, then Arsenal need to complete a sale quickly to allow the club to move forward in their quest to find a replacement.

Thomas Lemar is the most likely candidate to be brought in if Alexis does leave the Emirates Stadium, though the Gunners also have tabs on Riyad Mahrez, and it’s crucial that Arsenal move quickly on Alexis’ future to ensure the situation doesn’t drag on.

Clearly Arsenal are not even considering selling Sanchez to rivals Man City or Chelsea. Indeed it has been a long time since any stories about such a deal with either team has been written so you know that Arsenal are series in their position and rightly so.

However, the longer the wait in the transfer window for a resolution in Alexis’ situation, the harder it will be for Arsenal to get their way- as clubs will try to negotiate a smaller fee for the South American, whilst prices will be raised on the players the Gunners are eyeing as potential replacements.