Arsene Wenger insisted his decision to start Alexis Sanchez on the substitutes’ bench for Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg draw against Chelsea had nothing to do with Manchester City’s attempts to sign him.

Arsenal are growing increasingly resigned to selling City target Sanchez this month, but Wenger has no concerns over the forward’s commitment.

Wenger reiterated his desire for Sanchez to stay at Arsenal, but claimed the Chilean proved he will remain professional in the meantime by the way he behaved at Stamford Bridge.

Sanchez made a 66th-minute appearance as a substitute to replace Alexandre Lacazette and asked whether or not his decision to start with his star man on the bench was related to City, Wenger replied: “No. The team selection had nothing to do with the transfer market.

“I have not to justify every decision I make, you know. I made over 1000 games and over 1000 teams and I got it every time wrong, but I have to make a decision.”