"I don't know what's in his head" – Alexis talk frustrates Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has tired of speculation over Alexis Sánchez's future and would rather focus upon Jack Wilshere's resurgence.
Arsène Wenger described persistent questions over Alexis Sánchez's future as "unbelievable" amid renewed speculation the Chilean forward will seek a move to Manchester City. Alexis was understood to be on the verge of joining the Premier League leaders and his former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola in August, only for Arsenal to pull the plug on the move when they were unable to secure a replacement.
Fresh reports emerged this weekend regarding the 29-year-old retaining a desire to move to the Etihad Stadium, perhaps as early as January with his Arsenal contract up at the end of this season. The Guardian claimed Alexis was at the centre of a dressing-room bust-up following last month's 1-0 win at Burnley, while Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes the split celebration to one of the star's two goals at Crystal Palace last time out demonstrated a schism within the squad.
Wenger to surpass Sir Alex's Premier League record
Wenger will chalk up a landmark 811th Premier League game in charge at Arsenal when they travel to basement boys West Brom on Sunday, surpassing Alex Ferguson's number of games managed in the competition, and relentless talk regarding Alexis's commitment to the Gunners' cause soured the Frenchman's mood ahead of what should be a celebratory occasion.
"When he plays well it's a problem," he told reporters. "When is it not a problem? It's unbelievable. You judge a player on whether he played well or not and you comment on it after that. I am not a psychologist to know what is in his head, if he is short-term or long-term. You turn up to play football, that’s it. After that you judge, did he play well or not well."