Graeme Souness believes Arsenal’s players should urge Arsene Wenger to sell Alexis Sanchez as quickly as possible to avoid further disharmony within the squad amid this protracted transfer saga.
Both Manchester United and Manchester City are interested in prising away the star Chilean and Wenger opted to leave him out of the squad for the Gunners’ clash with Bournemouth on Sunday.
Former Liverpool manager Souness believes this apparent discord between the player and club only serves to create a toxic atmosphere within the squad.
Arsenal’s players should urge Arsene Wenger to sell Alexis Sanchez, believes Graeme Souness
Souness said it would lift the black cloud over the squad if they sold the Chile international
And Souness weighed in to say the team would be better off if the transfer saga was sorted sooner rather than later – even if that means a senior player taking it upon themselves to have a quiet word with the manager.
‘I think it’s been a nightmare for Arsenal, a nightmare for the manger.’ Souness said on Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’s match. ‘There’ll be players in that dressing room who won’t be happy with Sanchez wanting to leave.
‘We’re only second guessing. Is it a case now where Sanchez knows there’s an offer on the table from City? He wants to go there, I don’t think that’s a secret, and the player is digging his heels in.
‘It doesn’t make Arsenal a happier ship, it doesn’t make Arsenal a stronger outfit when they’re playing big games.
‘I’m trying to put myself in the dressing room with a player who’s digging his heels in and really wants to go. I would say to the manager, quietly, “get him out the door as as quick as we can, we will be fine without him.”’
Wenger said the player’s situation was up in the air and omitted him for Bournemouth game
Wenger admitted prior to the game that Sanchez’s head had been turned by prospective offers from Premier League clubs.
Although the French manager didn’t indicate Sanchez’s destination, he made it clear that the player’s situation is very much up in the air.
If Souness’s advice is heeded, however, the saga may well be resolved very soon.
