Arsenal fans' group plan banner of Alexis Sanchez... and his dogs!

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As Alexis Sanchez’s contract saga rumbles on, one Arsenal fans' group is planning a tribute to the Chilean star’s greatest passion – his dogs.

It seems the saying that dogs are 'man's best friend' has taken on a whole new meaning among Gunners supporters.

In a bid to improve the atmosphere some of the Emirates faithful are preparing to pay homage to their No 7 and his pet pooches, despite doubts over his future at the club.

Alexis Sanchez and dogs Humber and Atom (right) could be the faces of a new Arsenal banner

Arsenal fan group REDaction Gooners are planning to unfurl one of the trio at the Emirates

Atom and Humber are so popular on Instagram that the pet pooches have their own account

REDaction Gooners, are a fan group who work to improve the atmosphere in the stadium, and their latest initiative to do so is by unfurling a banner dedicated to Sanchez and his dogs, Atom and Humber.

In a quirky move that has gathered pace since Wednesday, it now looks set to appear at the Emirates despite an expected backlash of criticism. 

'VICTORIA CONCORDIA ATOM AND HUMBER,' the account tweeted on Wednesday afternoon.

'Loving the dog banner ideas, but also looking forward to the joyless b******* getting involved to tell everyone how embarrassing it is.

'In all seriousness, looks like we know the photo we want, so please send us your ideas for the text (if you don't like the above) & let's go.'

The account duly retweeted images of fellow Arsenal fans who had photoshopped images of Sanchez and his dogs for an idea of a banner.

Sanchez is not afraid to show his puppy love for his pair of Labradors. He has previously taken his dogs to training, starred in a bizarrely intimate Chilean dog food advert and posted a Phil Collins-scored video tribute with his pets. They are regular features of his social media output and even have their own Instagram account now.

While the Chile international would be happy at the thought of that banner, reports have emerged that he is less than so with his current contract situation in north London.

Sanchez is in the final 18 months of his current deal at the club and is understood to be on £130,000 per week. However, he is looking to at least double his money as he approaches his 28th birthday.

Mesut Ozil, who is the top earner on £140,000, is said to be of a similar mindset to Sanchez but Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is adamant the star pair will see out their contracts rather than be sold.

Arsenal will not sell forward Sanchez, despite his contract running out in 18 months

Arsene Wenger also insisted they would not let Mesut Ozil, who is in the same position, depart

Wenger complained about the fact that he had to discuss the futures of his players so regularly

'These players have 18 months on their contracts and, no matter what happens, they will stay for 18 months. Hopefully they'll stay for longer than that,' he said on Thursday.

'I believe we live in the world where Sanchez and Ozil have a lot of money and can choose where they play.

‘We will do the maximum we can for every single player. These players have 18 months left. They will stay for 18 months and hopefully much longer.

'I can't give any assurances. They have 18 months and are completely committed.

'Beyond that we will try and extend the contracts but I cannot make a subject of that. That's a normal part of negotiating. The less you talk about it the better it is.'

Sanchez is reportedly set to be offered a £400,000-a-week deal in China, but Wenger said: 'Why should you go to China when you're playing in England today?' 

Sanchez has been in superb form for Arsenal this season and has aided their title challenge