According to James Olley, writing in the Evening Standard, ‘senior figures’ at Arsenal were inclined to sell Alexis Sanchez this summer if a big offer came in, but found Arsene Wenger intractable over the matter.

All summer the manager’s position has been unwavering, saying repeatedly that the Chilean would stay at the club, even though we run the risk of losing him on a free transfer next summer.

We can, of course, only speculate as to who those senior figures were, but you wouldn’t have to think too hard about those amongst them who would be more inclined to have £50m in the bank that Sanchez on the pitch.

The report also states that Wenger has decided not to pursue the signing of Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina, who looks set to join Southampton from the Italian giants.

The Gabon international was recommended to the 67 year old, but he seems focused on his pursuit of Monaco’s Thomas Lemar.

Arseblog News also understands that the club’s position on further arrivals is complicated by the need to move players on.

While the likes of Mathieu Debuchy, Carl Jenkinson, Kieran Gibbs and Lucas Perez won’t raise a huge amount of money from fees, their departures would free up significant amounts of wage money that could be redistributed.

Gabriel Paulista is another potential depature, with Valecia open about their interest, while there are question marks over the futures of Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Olivier Giroud, linked with moves back to France to Everton, appeared to confirm the fact he’s staying following Sunday’s Community Shield win.

The only sale Arsenal have made is Wojciech Szczesny to Juventus, and Wenger spoke openly after the Community Shield about the need to trim his squad.