£140m: The cost if Alexis Sanchez exits Arsenal stage

Arsene Wenger admits allowing Alexis Sanchez to see out the final year of his contract could cost Arsenal as much as £140m (€153.2m).

On the day that Sanchez spoke of his disillusionment over the criticism he receives, Wenger revealed the numbers involved if the Chile forward leaves at the end of the season as expected.

Sanchez’s desired moved to Manchester City broke down on transfer deadline day after Arsenal failed to sign Monaco’s Thomas Lemar, who had been identified as his successor. Wenger admits the Gunners will miss out on a fee of up to £70m (€76.6m) should he depart in June — and will have to spend that much again to ensure he is adequately replaced.