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Alexis Sanchez admits the onus is on Arsenal in contract tug-of-war

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Alexis Sanchez - speaking exclusively to Sky Sports' Geoff Shreeves - has put the emphasis on Arsenal to sort out his future

Alexis Sanchez says he is happy at Arsenal but has put the onus on the club to make the first move in contract negotiations.

The Gunners are said to be in contract renewal negotiations with the Chilean, whose contract expires in 18 months, but reports in the British media have claimed a Chinese Super League club is ready to offer him £400,000-a-week deal.

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Sanchez has been one of the stars of this season in the Premier League, scoring 12 goals, but both the club and the player have yet to agree on terms.

When asked about his desire to sign a new contract, Sanchez told Sky Sports' Geoff Shreeves in an exclusive interview: "I'm focused more on winning football matches - I'm staying concentrated on that.

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Sanchez scored a hat-trick as Arsenal beat West Ham 5-1 on December 3

"It really doesn't depend on me - if they want to show confidence in me. I'm very happy at the club. I love all the staff. I'm very grateful for everybody here.

"It depends on Arsenal," the Chilean added, ahead of Sunday's match with Manchester City, live on Sky Sports. 

"I enjoy the relationship with the fans. I want to achieve more for them. I want to win the Premier League and the Champions League."

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Both City and Arsenal know a victory on Sunday could be a huge moment in the title race with the possibility of Chelsea being nine points clear at kick-off if they beat Crystal Palace on Saturday lunchtime.

When all the rumours are going around – it can distract a player from their main focus of concentration.
Sanchez on rumours

Sanchez is well aware of the importance of Sunday's clash and is keen to stay focused on his performance level rather than worry about what the future will bring. 

"I've told my agent I don't want to speak about this too much when all the rumours are going around - it can distract a player from their main focus of concentration," he said.

"I'm playing well and scoring goals. I'm achieving my objectives.

"I'm just focused on playing football, Sunday is a very important match. I've got an agent who deals with all of this, so I just want to focus on making the fans happy.

"I'm very relaxed. I'm trying not to let it bother me - that's not what I want. We'll see when it's all resolved - I'm very calm. I've told my agent I don't want to speak about this sort of thing."

Watch Geoff Shreeves' full interview with Alexis Sanchez in the build-up to Manchester City v Arsenal, from 3.30pm on Sky Sports 1 HD. 

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