Alexis Sanchez backed by Alexander Hleb to sign new Arsenal contract and snub Manchester City

ARSENAL icon Alexander Hleb is confident that Alexis Sanchez will sign a new contract.

The forward will become a free agent at the end of the season unless he extends his current deal.

But after a failed move to Manchester City on deadline day, there’s every chance Sanchez could be leaving Arsenal as early as January.

Arsene Wenger admits the future is hard to read after numerous attempts to open contract talks with the Chilean.

But Hleb believes Sanchez will end up falling in love with the Emirates again after showing a desire to fight in the early stages of the campaign.

He told the : “Arsenal found themselves in a very difficult situation with Sanchez.

“On one side, if he doesn’t want to play for the team you could say it would have been better to sell him for good money.

“On the other hand, he’s such an important player for Arsenal and is a leader. I have seen him play this season and he still fights, give his best and scores goals.

“He looked professional rather than angry that he didn’t get his move to Manchester City.

“I think he will wait until the winter, see how the team are playing and maybe sign a new contract.

“Why not stay at Arsenal? It’s a great club with huge tradition, great fans and Arsene Wenger as the manager. They can achieve things. Why leave?”