Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez was reportedly in the French capital on Friday, meeting with Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Antero Henrique to discuss a transfer from the Gunners, per Goal's Loic Tanzi and Chris Wheatley.The report saidPSGare "growing increasingly confident of signing the Arsenal star for a 50 million fee inclusive of add-ons following preliminary talks with the Gunners."TanziandWheatleydetailed those talks: "Goalunderstands thatPSGchiefHenriquemet Sanchez and his representatives at the RoyalMonceauhotel in Paris from 12 p.m.UTCfor talks which lasted several hours.Henriquewas later filmed leaving the hotelwherePSGusually close transfer dealsin the late afternoon."Wheatleyalso noted howPSGwon't confirm the sides have reached a deal but the signs indicate they will eventually strike one:The Ligue 1 club's confidence is building amid attempts to sign both Sanchez and Barcelona ace Neymar, per Julien Laurens, writing for the Guardian. Laurens reported the meeting with Sanchez at the Royal Monceau Hotel in Paris, while revealing PSG are likely to make an "opening offer of 45m (40.3m)."Laurens added that PSG are "increasingly confident" they can land Neymar on a world-record deal.Furthermore, Laurens noted Neymar "has a release clause of 222m and Barcelona cannot prevent the player from leaving if a club pays it."PSGappear determined to sign a top attacker this summer. ManagerUnaiEmery was asked about interest in both Sanchez andNeymarby French publicationL'Equipe(h/tMetro'sEwan Roberts), and he said: "If we want to compete withBayernMunich, Barcelona, Real Madrid and win the Champions League, thenPSGmust have a player of the world top five. We are trying to get one signed this summer."However, the latest reports come after Arsenal managerArseneWengermade it clear Sanchez won't be sold this summer, despite the attacker's contract expiring in 2018, perJohn Crossof theDaily Mirror: "The decision has been made, and we will stick to that. The decision is not to sell."Wenger's stance on Sanchez is understandable, even though the Chilean has yet to agree new terms with the north London side. Sanchez is the one true, world-class match-winner in this Arsenal squad.The formerUdineseand Barcelona man is the creative and goalscoring talisman ofWenger's side. His perceptive movement, artful passing, pace, trickery and shooting power led to 31 goals and 13 assists in all competitions last season, perWhoScored.com.Wengerand the Gunners still believe they will eventually convince Sanchez to sign a new contract and are willing to risk losing the 28-year-old for free next summer while they continue to negotiate, perJeremy Wilsonof theDaily Telegraph.Significantly, Arsenal's decision to take the risk with Sanchez by refusing to sell now is based on the belief he can help the club make a quick return to theUEFAChampions League, according toDavidHytnerof theGuardian.Hytnernoted how the cost for the Gunnerswho play in theUEFAEuropa League this seasonof not returning to Europe's top-tier tournament would outweigh any fee they could collect this summer.Of course, Sanchez has already indicated playing in the Champions League is a priority for him, per Chilean sourceRadio Sport(h/tLyallThomasof Sky Sports). If he's determined to make that happen, Sanchez could continue to push for a move to Paris, whileWenger and Arsenal finish theirpre-season tour in China.
Friday, 21 July 2017
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