The transfer window was dominated by the situation surrounding Sanchez, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

And Keown believes if assurances are made that Sanchez can go, he will be able to focus on his football again and Arsenal will reap the rewards.

“The message from Wenger to Sanchez today was: ‘Give me until January and then you can go’,” Keown told the Daily Mail.

“Wenger is clearly anticipating that Sanchez will be very low when he returns from the international break.

“Sanchez has been trying to leave for the last year or so, was unable to get his move on deadline day and now Chile have not qualified for the World Cup.

“To finally hear that he can leave in a matter of months is the news that he will have been craving.

“Now, Wenger will be expecting to see a brightness in Sanchez’s eye at training on Friday morning, not one of resignation.

“Sanchez is a lion who wants to play football and I do not expect him to sulk.”

Manchester City and PSG are among the clubs rumoured to be interested in the Chilean and Wenger may look to recoup some of the money he paid for him three years ago.

Another player who could leave for nothing in June is Mesut Ozil, although Keown is already resigned to the fact that the German will probably leave.

He added: “It is more likely that Sanchez will play against Watford than Ozil. I would be surprised if Ozil features.

“I find the suggestions that Ozil could now be staying at the club astonishing. Maybe there are not any takers who want to pay his wages?”

Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League, level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea.

They return to action on Saturday evening with a trip to high-flying Watford.