Arsenal round-up: Arsene Wenger to decide on future; Alexis Sanchez wants London stay; Udinese’s Jakub Jankto linked

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The Mirror report that Arsene Wenger is finally set to make a decision on his future following this weekend’s match against Manchester City. The Frenchman has yet to sign a new contract at the club and a section of the Gunners’ support are campaigning for him to leave the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season. He is seen as a stubborn man and he won’t want to leave the club unless he feels that he absolutely has to. A two-year contract is on the table from the club, but another defeat this weekend may put him in an unrecoverable position.

This weekend will show us a lot about Wenger and how much respect he still has in the dressing room. It is a must-win match for the Gunners as the gap to fourth place could grow to nine points with another defeat. The players looked disinterested against West Brom before the international break and many thought it signalled the beginning of the end for Wenger. However, the pressure was lifted over the international break. If he wants to remain with the club past this summer, they need to win this weekend.

Alexis Sanchez is another key figure that is facing an uncertain future as he has only 15 months to run on his contract and there is gathering interest from other clubs. Chelsea have emerged as the frontrunners for his signature and the Chilean forward has provided the league leaders with a boost, as he told El Grafico that he wants to stay in London.

“I am happy in London and I hope to finish my contract there (at Arsenal),”

“I like to stay in a city and in a team, but in a team that is a winner, that has a winning mentality. I’m 28 years old, I still have a lot ahead of me. I am a player that takes great care of myself.”

These comments will cause worry among Arsenal fans as it would be a major blow for them to lose Sanchez to one of their top-six rivals. The Gunners had thought that they had moved on from selling key players to rival clubs, but their recent poor form makes it a possibility once again. Sanchez may have said that he wants to finish his contract with Arsenal, but that isn’t really an option. The North London club can’t afford to lose him for nothing next summer. He is too valuable for that, therefore a decision will have to be made this summer.

The Mirror report that Jakub Jankto wants to leave Serie A this summer and Arsenal have been one of the clubs linked with the midfielder. West Brom and Stoke City are also believed to be interested in a move. He has impressed with Udinese since joining from Slavia Prague and the Premier League could be his next destination. In an interview with Tutto Mercato Web, he said the following on his future:

“I want to play abroad, to try some new experience. I’m curious, I want to know other things.

“I certainly do not see myself in Italy too long, certainly not up to 25 years.”

At the age of 21, he has done well in Serie A and emerged as a regular for Udinese. There is clear talent there as displayed by his contribution of four goals and four assists. He has good vision and is capable of creating from deep. However, there are doubts about his tackling and aerial presence, both of which would need to improve if he was to move to England. This isn’t a transfer rumour that will excite Arsenal fans and it is more likely that he moves to one of the teams lower in the Premier League.

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