Arsene Wenger not worried about Alexis Sanchez as Arsenal prepare to face Manchester City

Sanchez wanted a move to the Etihad in the summer and could go at the end of the season

Sanchez could still move to City in the summer (Getty)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claims that he has no worries about Alexis Sanchez ahead of next Sunday's visit to Manchester City.

Sanchez thought he was on his way to the Etihad Stadium until a move broke down on deadline day – and may yet end up there either in January or, more likely, in summer – but Wenger has no fears about the Chilean's state of mind in a match against potential employers, or any possibility of divided loyalties.

“No, I am not concerned, because I am not suspicious of the performances or the desire to win of a football player,” Wenger said. “When you are a football player, you have a social contract with the rest of the team and I never question that. Once you don't respect that, it's difficult to say that you play football.”

Sanchez saw his best shot well saved by Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and the fact that he has only two goals for Arsenal so far this season compared to eight by the same weekend a year ago is indicative of the Chilean's struggle for form, which was hardly helped by a late return to pre-season training following his involvement in the Confederations Cup with Chile. But again, Wenger is untroubled. “I think he's coming back stronger physically. He is running after a goal at the moment so he's a bit frustrated when he doesn't score, like all goalscorers. But he works hard and it will come back quickly.

“At the moment he's marked well, [opponents] double up on him, but he still creates many dangerous situations. And as for the goal, he just has not to worry too much. I know you always say that to strikers and they still worry, but over a longer period he has always scored and that will come back.”

Wenger was unaware that Saturday's match was his 800th league game in charge of Arsenal until he saw the information on a television screen as he was on his way to the dugout, and he denied that a thousand was in reach.

“One thing about having such a long experience is that it makes you humble unless you are completely stupid,” he said. “And I refuse to be completely stupid so you never know how long you have to go.” Number 801, at City next week, is far enough to look ahead.