Arsenal have got a lot of people worried this summer. The Gunners’ overall footballing display last season, which saw them finish outside of the top 4 for the first time in Wenger’s reign as manager, was often criticised by fans and pundits alike – many of whom wanted Wenger to resign as manager of Arsenal after 21 years at the club.

Wenger has never been one to free-spend in a transfer window for the sake of it, fans have pleaded for him to make stellar signings year after year to no avail. It is not uncommon for Arsenal fans’ hearts to be broken by their own players too, with many high profile players moving on from the club – often in a hurtful manner. This summer, the club face losing one of the best players that has ever played for the club.

Alexis Sanchez has been a revelation at Arsenal since singing from Barcelona for £32m back in 2014. The Chile international has performed week in week out for the club and his tally of 53 goals in 103 appearances shows just how important he has been to the club in the 3 years they have had his services for. However, could we have seen the last of Sanchez?

As usual, there has been a lot of talk this summer. Rumours are inevitable due to the media trying to sell a story, but often there is a lot of substance in what is said. In the case of Alexis Sanchez, it is clear that there could be an issue set to arise. The forward has just 12 months left on his Arsenal deal, and with no signs that he is set to renew, it could mean losing the star on a free transfer next summer. However, with big interest from Manchester City that would see Sanchez reunite with former manager Pep Guardiola, Sanchez could be set to leave as early as this summer if the right offer is made.

Sanchez himself has remained tight lipped about his future, but said all would become clear after the Confederations Cup which ended last week. The 28-year-old did claim that he was “clear” in his mind about what he would do in the coming weeks, but did not reveal anymore about his decision.

There are all sorts of rumours about what will happen next, according to Chilean daily La Tercera, Sanchez is ready to test Arsenal’s hand by supposedly accepting that he’ll have to wait until next summer to get the move he wants, meaning that he would leave for nothing. While Arsene Wenger has publicly said that he won’t be held to ransom by the player and that he won’t be forced into selling Sanchez, it is quite likely that the club will not want to miss out on a potential £50m+ transfer fee for him this year by letting him see out his contract.

But there could be light at the end of the tunnel. Manchester City supposedly see the fee that Arsenal want for Sanchez as too high, so if there was a potential transfer that fell through, City could turn their attention to another target, meaning that the Chilean could be forced to sign a new contract with Arsenal after the ended interest from other clubs. Moreover, Arsenal have made a fantastic start to the summer transfer period so far.

Wenger has already taken big steps to strengthen the side for next season by signing left back Sean Kolasinac and forward Alexandre Lacazette for a club-record deal. They are also linked with a host of top names including William Carvalho and Riyad Mahrez. This shows Arsenal’s intent to progress and perhaps enter into a fierce title race next season. Of course, losing Sanchez would be a bitter pill to swallow and would be a difficult man to replace, but perhaps Wenger’s intent this transfer window will have shown Sanchez just what direction the club is heading for – maybe helping him to realise that signing a new contract at the club is the right thing to do.

It is clear that Sanchez wants silverware. Arsenal have made the steps so far to show that they are hungry for more next season, now it is up to Sanchez to recognise that and jump on board.