Smiling Alexis Sanchez returns to Arsenal training amid intense Man City and PSG interest

Stephen Darwin

Smiling Alexis Sanchez returns to Arsenal training amid intense Man City and PSG interest image

Alexis Sanchez has returned to Arsenal training with uncertainty continuing to surround his long-term future.

The 28-year-old, whose contract with the Gunners expires in 2018, has been linked with a big-money move to both Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal 9/4 to win the Community Shield

PSG had held talks with the Chilean over a €50 million transfer , with City also retaining a strong interest despite being aware of Arsenal's reluctance to sell.

The north Londoners remain convinced that the player will be staying at Emirates Stadium, despite Alexis having openly admitted he wants to be playing in the Champions League .

 

Back in London!

A post shared by Alexis Sanchez (@alexis_officia1) on

Indeed, the Gunners missed out on a place in the top four for the first time under Wenger in 2016-17, with speculation over Alexis' future having dominated the back pages ever since.

The former Barcelona star was due to begin pre-season training on Sunday, having been given an extended period of absence following his exertions with Chile at the Confederations Cup, but returned to London on Tuesday and is already back out on the training pitch.

That said, having only just arrived back in England it is extremely unlikely that Alexis will be involved in the Community Shield meeting with Chelsea on Sunday as he eases into his pre-season programme.

Courtois hoping to avoid Alexis

The Gunners begin their Premier League campaign with a Friday evening fixture against Leicester City on August 11.

Stephen Darwin