'You’re the best in the team': Arsene Wenger's vain attempts to stop Alexis Sanchez from joining Manchester United

Despite Wenger’s best efforts, Sanchez went on to join United in a player swap with Henrikh Mkhitaryan at the end of the January transfer window

Alexis Sanchez and Arsene Wenger during their time together at Arsenal (Getty)

Alexis Sanchez has revealed that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told him “You’re the best in the team” in an attempt to dissuade the forward from joining Manchester United.

Despite Wenger’s best efforts, Sanchez went on to join United in a player swap with Henrikh Mkhitaryan at the end of the January transfer window.

This came after months of speculation surrounding the Chilean’s future at the Emirates as Arsenal attempted to sign the player to a new contract.

But Sanchez declined Arsenal’s approaches, eventually settling for a £350,000-a-week deal at United that has made him the best paid player in the Premier League.

Speaking recently to Chilean media, the 29-year-old opened up for the first time on his Arsenal exit and how Wenger tried to keep hold off him.

“He was very fond of me and he didn’t want to let me go,” Sanchez said.

“He told me: ‘I want you to sign here because you are the best player in the team.’

“I wanted to continue growing as a player, more so as a Chilean, because it’s difficult to get to Man United.

“No Chilean had played here. Arsene understood it at last, we ended up on good terms, he congratulated me and there was no problem."