Alexis Sanchez is due back in Arsenal training on Sunday, but claims to be “sick” as he continues to be linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.
The Chilean forward has been granted an extended summer break after seeing his 2016-17 campaign stretched by Confederations Cup competition.
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He is, however, scheduled to join Arsenal’s pre-season preparations this weekend, with Arsene Wenger having confirmed as much as his side ready themselves for the Emirates Cup.
The Gunners boss told Arsenal Player: “Alexis and [Shkodran] Mustafi, their first training session will be on Sunday, the day we play against Sevilla.
“They are practising on the day.”
Sanchez, though, has cast doubt over his involvement in that session with a post on Instagram.
The 28-year-old is wrapped up in a scarf and jumper despite it being late-July in north London.
He is clearly not full of the joys of summer, with speculation continuing to suggest that his days at Emirates Stadium could be numbered.
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Having spent much of the 2016-17 campaign fending off reports regarding an imminent move as his current contract ticked down into a final year, those rumours have been turned up a notch in recent weeks.
French giants PSG are among those said to be keen on the hard-working forward, while a reunion with former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola in Manchester has also been mooted.
Arsenal, though, remain reluctant to sell – despite seeing Alexis enter the final year of his deal – and Wenger is still expecting to be in a position to call on his 30-goal top scorer from last season when the 2017-18 campaign gets underway.
"Yes, that is a continuation of what I said at the end of the season. That's what we will do," Wenger has said.
'Wenger must go all out for Alexis'
"He adds great value to the squad and I think as well he is a great lover of the club.”
Once their pre-season schedule is complete, Arsenal will face Chelsea in the Community Shield before opening their Premier League campaign at home to Leicester City on August 11.