Arsene Wenger has insisted that Alexis Sanchez will still be at the Emirates next season, speaking to reporters after Arsenal's dramatic extra time win over Manchester City in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final.
The Chilean hit the decisive goal in the 101st minute at Wembley, sparking wild celebrations from the under-fire north London club as they condemned Pep Guardiola to a trophyless first season in English football.
Sanchez's future has been the subject of much speculation over the course of the season, with just 12 months left on his current deal at the end of the season, but Wenger insisted after the game that his top scorer would be pulling on the club's shirt into the 2017/18 season.
Reports have suggested that the Gunners will look to sell Sanchez this summer rather than let him leave on a free transfer in 2018 if they cannot tie him down to an extended deal, but Wenger said on Sunday: “He will of course still be here next year because he has a contract until 2018," adding "Hopefully we will manage to extend him.”
The Frenchman was effusive in his praise of the 28-year-old after the match, which saw the club reach their third FA Cup final in the last four seasons - looking to win back the trophy they secured in 2014 and 2015.
“Alexis Sanchez became stronger and stronger," Wenger said. "He is an animal, he is always ready to kill the opponent. In games like that he will never give up and that is his strength.”
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