Arsenal legend Robert Pires claims Alexis Sanchez wanted to stay at Emirates ahead of Manchester United transfer

ARSENAL legend Robert Pires has claimed Alexis Sanchez wanted to STAY at the Emirates.

The Arsenal striker is thought to be close to a switch to Old Trafford.

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The Chile star is leaving Arsenal for the Red Devils in a swap deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan going in the opposite direction.

Sanchez, 29, has now provided an update on his move via his Instagram as he shared snaps of him boarding a plane heading to the North West.

Martin Keown labelled ‘the biggest mercenary in football’ for choosing Manchester United and claimed the move was “all about the money.”

However, Pires has now claimed that Sanchez wanted to stay in north London and for the Gunners to spend more money on new players.

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Speaking to Chilean publication La Tercera, he said:”No, he is not a mercenary.”

“Martin is my friend, but I don’t think you can say that.

“That’s football, and if City does not want Sanchez anymore, it’s their problem.

“And if United wants him and is willing to spend a lot of money, good for him.

“But for me, Alexis wanted to stay at Arsenal. I have not talked to him, but what I see, what I smell, is that he was very good in London, very good in Arsenal.”