Arsene Wenger: 'Arsenal board backs my stance on Alexis Sanchez'

Arsene Wenger has insisted that the Arsenal board have backed him fully in his decision to keep Alexis Sanchez at the Emirates Stadium.

The Chilean has less than a year remaining on his current Gunners deal and is yet to sign fresh terms to stay at the club, meaning that he could potentially leave on a free next summer.

Sanchez is thought to be a transfer target for Premier League rivals Manchester City, but Wenger says that he wants to keep the 28-year-old for the forthcoming season and that his decision "is clear".

"Yes, the board supports me to make the decisions on a technical front," Wenger told Sky Sports News. "I can tell you is that he is focused, and my decision is clear - he will stay and he will respect that. It is as simple as that.

"Every negotiation has to be a little bit secret. The transparency of society is very pushy but we have to resist a little bit, as much as we can. I think he will be here this season, and if we can do it for more seasons we will do it as well."

Arsenal have reportedly offered Sanchez a new contract worth £290,000 a week.