Alexis Sanchez transfer saga: What are Arsenal's options? 

#4 Keep Alexis and let him go for free in the summer?

Wenger convinced him to join Arsenal - can he convince him to stay just a little longer?

"People don't know Alexis well - this is a guy who is completely focused to play football. The only thing I want to say is the performance of Alexis and the commitment does not depend on the duration of his contract, it just depends on the fact that when he's on the pitch he wants to play." - Arsene Wenger

This holds true in the case of Alexis Sanchez. No matter the storm that's brewing off the pitch, when he is on the pitch he is the consummate professional.

A hardworking player in his own right, Alexis has been the difference between a win and a loss numerous times for Arsenal. When surrounded by good players in-synch with his movements (such as Ozil), he is devastating in the final third.

Which is why retaining Alexis for the remainder of his contract makes perfect sense for Arsenal. The Gunners are still in with a shout for the League Cup and Europa League (a backdoor to the Champions League if they don't make the top four).

Despite his poor form this season, he is still their top goal scorer in all competitions - level with Alexandre Lacazette who is still coming to terms with life in England and going through a goal drought of his own.

Wenger's philosophy of beautiful football is long gone and this squad is only a painful reminder of what could have been. But Alexis is still capable of conjuring those magical moments that the Gunners so desperately need.