Alexis Sanchez tells Arsenal he could leave as Chilean looks to pursue 'dream' of winning Champions League
- Alexis Sanchez has one year remaining on his current Arsenal contract
- Sanchez has stressed his desire to play Champions League football next term
- 28-year-old says he has made his decision and he now awaits Arsenal's reply
- Chilean has been linked with a move to Manchester City this summer
Alexis Sanchez has piled the pressure on Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger by revealing that he is desperate to play in the Champions League.
The Chilean striker stated that it is his ‘dream’ to play Champions League football, something he wouldn’t be able to do with Arsenal this season after they missed out on the top four.
This is likely to alert the likes of Manchester City and Bayern Munich, two clubs who will be in the Champions League, and who have shown interest in bidding for the 28-year-old.
Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez says he has reached a decision on his future
Arsene Wenger had appeared confident that Sanchez will stay at Arsenal beyond the summer
Sanchez is currently still on holiday relaxing after playing in the Confederations Cup
Speaking in his native Chile, Sanchez said: 'The decision isn't only mine, but I have already made a decision. Now I'm waiting for Arsenal to reply and tell me what they want.'
Asked to clarify what he wanted, Sanchez added: 'Playing in the Champions League and to win it. It's a dream I have had since I was a kid.
'For now I'm at Arsenal, my contract ends next year.'
As recently as Friday night, manager Wenger had revealed he was texting Sanchez through the summer to convince him to stay on at Arsenal.
Sanchez is still away from his club as he recovers following the Confederations Cup
Wenger, pictured directing Arsenal's training session at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Friday
'Of course,' Wenger said when asked if Sanchez would remain an Arsenal player. 'There is not a lot to resolve with the player. I have spoken through text and it was very positive. My thoughts are always positive.'
Earlier this week, the Frenchman denied that his star man had asked to leave Arsenal.
The Gunners' latest contract offer is short of the £300,000 per week value that Sanchez has been seeking, although it does include a 20 per cent increase triggered if Arsenal qualify for the Champions League in the new season.
Sanchez posted this image alongside youngsters in his homeland to Instagram
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