Arsenal risk losing Sanchez for free, says Wenger

Arsenal risk losing striker Alexis Sanchez for free next season, according to manager Arsene Wenger, who confirmed the club have made no progress on a new contract for the Chilean striker. Sanchez, 28, is currently in the final year of his contract. He has been linked with a move to Paris St Germain in the current transfer window. "We have not progressed on that front," Wenger said in a news conference before Arsenal head to Stoke City on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger says there has been "no progress" over a new Arsenal contract for Alexis Sanchez, who is unlikely to be fit to face Stoke #SSN pic.twitter.com/VK3gkmViDm

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 16, 2017

"At the moment, he is a player who goes into the final year of his contract and prepares for the season. We have not made any progress on the other front. "It's not an ideal situation on the financial side and it demands some sacrifice ... but it doesn't mean the players who are in the final year of their contract will not extend their contract. We will work on that as well."

Exclusive: Wenger says @Alexis_Sanchez is going nowhere this #TransferWindow. #PL #AFC pic.twitter.com/CDvgqLtKXq— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) August 15, 2017

Wenger said Sanchez is still recovering from an abdominal strain but is expected to regain full fitness before the club's match in Liverpool on Aug. 27. "For Sanchez, it (Stoke) looks a little early, but he works hard in training," Wenger added. "He should be available for next game against Liverpool.

The boss discussed @Alexis_Sanchez at this morning's #SCFCvAFC press conferencehttps://t.co/sDTS99SuUb

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) August 16, 2017

"His recovery is going very well, he is working very hard. But you have to be very cautious. It was a muscle strain and (you have to be wary) not to have any setback on it." The manager confirmed midfielders Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who are also in the final year of their contracts, are firmly in his plans for the current season.

Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to sign new Arsenal deals? Arsene Wenger is hopeful: https://t.co/sRE1gMvvPQ pic.twitter.com/OqJGN99Axh— Sky Sports PL ? (@SkySportsPL) August 16, 2017

Wilshere returned to action from a fractured leg during Arsenal Under-23's 3-2 win over Derby County earlier this week. "It's good that he is back and available," Wenger said. "I think he needs games now. He might play again on Monday night. He is not far away now." Arsenal began their campaign with a 4-3 home victory over Leicester City last weekend.