Friday 12 January 2018 16:42, UK
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says there is "nothing concrete" yet regarding the possible transfer of Alexis Sanchez.
Despite interest from both Manchester clubs, Wenger maintains it would be "normal" for Sanchez to stay until his contract elapses at the end of the season, and admitted that "nothing is decided one way or another".
But he suggested a bidding war would be beneficial to the Gunners, as he appeared resigned to losing the Chile star this month.
Ahead of a trip to Bournemouth on Sunday, he said:"I cannot tell you much more at the moment about the situation. Nothing is really concrete."
When it was suggested those answers implied there was some truth in the speculation, the Gunners boss added: "You [the media] conclude that.
"It's not that I don't want to inform you. I don't want to give you wrong information. At the moment, nothing is decided one way or another.
"A bidding war is always beneficial to the club who can take advantage of it but we are not in that.
"I maintain what I said. many times, that normally he should stay here until the end of the season, but we will see."
If Sanchez is sold, Arsenal will be in the market for a new forward themselves.
Asked if it was possible to replace Sanchez, Wenger said: "Replaceable in the way, do we find exactly the same player? Certainly not.
"But there is always a way, to find a different balance.
"Sanchez is an exceptional football player, a world-class player and, if that happens [he is sold], we have to find a different balance in the team."
When it was put to him that Sanchez would only be sold if a suitable replacement had been found, Wenger said: "You sum it up very well."
Bordeaux forward Malcom has been mentioned as a possible Sanchez replacement for Arsenal but Wenger responded: "He's a good player, but at the moment nothing is happening.
"We are not on that case at the moment."
