Arsenal rumored to be breaking the bank for Alexis

As Arsenal’s season slowly circles the drain of mediocrity, one of the biggest talking points has been the “will he or won’t he” saga over Alexis Sanchez’ contract renewal. As many observers of the sport know, his contract runs out next season and there have been some mumblings coming from his camp that he wants a healthy pay raise and an improvement to the squad or he’ll force his way out, either as a transfer or for free in 2018.

Well, the Evening Standard has come out with a report today that Arsenal is willing to sit down with Alexis in order to give him what he wants. Per the Standard:

Standard Sport revealed in December that the 28-year-old was seeking parity with the division’s top earners — currently headed by Manchester United’s Paul Pogba on £290,000 a week — and it is understood the Gunners have now indicated they will shatter their wage structure to keep him at the club.

Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris St Germain are all expected to table bids for Sanchez at the end of the season with Arsenal set to demand £50 million should they fail to reach an agreement with him.

Woof, that’s a lot of money and a significant raise from his current £130,000 a week deal. Arsenal has largely been tough when it comes to its wage structure as the club’s finances have long been held in check with some responsible decision-making. However, this would be a sharp turn in philosophy were this rumor be true.

The report goes on to state that Alexis would like to know what the club’s summer actions regarding transfers and Arsene Wenger’s future will be before he makes a decision of his own, something that is pretty reasonable to inquire about whether or not you think his renewal is a smart decision or not. This report may just be a load of bunk, but it is something to keep an eye on as we approach what’s sure to be one of the most important summers in recent Arsenal history.