Alexis Sanchez has revealed he is very happy at Arsenal — but the Chilean believes it's down to the club to make the first move regarding contract negotiations. Sanchez arrived at Arsenal from Barcelona in the summer of 2014 for £30million and has become a fans' favourite at the Emirates.
But with his contract expiring at the end of next season, his future remains in the balance and as revealed by Sportsmail, he had used an astonishing £400,000-per-week offer from China to try and get the north London club to smash their wage structure to keep him. Arsenal have fallen short of Alexis Sanchez's wage demands with their latest contract offer
Sanchez believes it's down to the club to make the first move regarding contract negotiations
ALEXIS SANCHEZ - 2016-17 STATS
Appearances: 16 (Premier League)
Goals: 12
Assists: 5
Despite the speculation surrounding his future at the Gunners, Sanchez — who has netted 12 Premier League goals this season — says he is happy at the club.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the weekend's clash against Manchester City, he said: 'I'm focused more on winning football matches - I'm staying concentrated on that. 'It really doesn't depend on me - if they want to show confidence in me. I'm very happy at the club. I love all the staff. I'm very grateful for everybody here.'
It depends on Arsenal', the Chile international, who has been in sensational form for Arsene Wenger's side this season, added. 'I enjoy the relationship with the fans. I want to achieve more for them. I want to win the Premier League and the Champions League.'
As reported by Sportsmail, Arsenal have offered Sanchez £9.3m a year to sign a new deal — but the Gunners are still significantly short of meeting their forward's wage demands. Sanchez, who scored at Everton this week, is determined to seal a £250,000 per week wage
Arsene Wenger is looking to safeguard Sanchez's future and another offer is expected
Arsenal's opening offer of £180,000 per week is a healthy increase on the Chilean's current deal worth £130,000.
Nevertheless, Sanchez, 27, is determined to land a contract worth a minimum of £250,000 per week. Dialogue between the player's representatives and the club are ongoing, with Arsenal still hopeful.
They are likely to improve their offer in the coming weeks as manager Wenger looks to safeguard Sanchez's future with just 18 months left on his contract.
Wenger is adamant Sanchez and Mesut Ozil — who is also entering the final 18 months of his deal — will not be sold even if they have not penned fresh terms.
Sanchez has now become a fans' favourite at the Emirates, where he is contracted until 2018
There is optimism at Arsenal that they will be able to tie Mesut Ozil down to a new deal
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