Arteta called by striker ‘begging’ for Arsenal chance

Robin Bairner

• 19 Jun 2023 11:48 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has fielded a very unusual phone call this summer, with Alexis Sanchez having reportedly “begged” to the Spaniard to have him back at the Emirates Stadium.

Alexis was a hero of Arsenal during a spell that ran from 2014-18 and saw him net 60 Premier League goals.

Now 34, he showed that he remains a dangerous scorer by striking 18 times in all competitions for Marseille as they finished third in Ligue 1.

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Out of contract with OM at the end of the month, the Chile legend is heading for free agency at the end of the month.

It is amidst this backdrop that Chilean paper La Tercera has claimed that Alexis is doing everything in his power to return to Arsenal.

The attacker’s entourage has reportedly called Arteta directly to explore a possible return to the Premier League runners-up, where the present manager was a teammate of the player. The Spaniard has been made aware of Alexis’ desire to return to the club.

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’Arteta does not contemplate a deal’

Arteta was “direct” with Alexis in telling him that there is no prospect of him returning to Arsenal. It is said that the manager “was clear enough to establish that he does not contemplate him within the project and does not fit into the club’s plans”.

Arsenal’s philosophy in the transfer market has been to build a young and exciting team, and with Alexis set to turn 35 in December, he clearly does not fit into such a framework.

His departure to Manchester United from Arsenal has done little to help his standing at the club.

Reports in France state that Alexis is still in discussions with Marseille over his future and could well remain with the Ligue 1 side, who will be competing in the Champions League qualifying rounds once again next season.