The tug of war between Arsenal and Manchester United for Lisandro Martinez continues to rumble onwards. The Argentine has returned to Amsterdam to speak with his club to force through an exit but with no certain destination decided.
Manchester United have the advantage of Martinez’s former coach Erik ten Hag being their new manager. However, those that have chosen the Red Devils over Arsenal have not always felt they made the right choice.
Alexis Sanchez in particular is a player who left the Gunners to move to Old Trafford rather than picking the Red Devils over north London as a destination. However, United being a side coming off the back of a highly criticised campaign, his words ring true today.
READ MORE: Arsenal's £34m Lisandro Martinez bidding process explained amid negotiation frustration
"After the first training session I realised many things, I came home and asked my family and my manager if I could not break the contract and return to Arsenal, something did not fit me, but I had already signed," Sanchez said.
"Months passed and I kept feeling the same. We were not united as a team at that time. The journalists also spoke without knowing and it hurt. Former players also spoke and had no idea what was happening inside the club. And they hurt me.
"A player also depends on the internal environment, that we need to be a family. We weren't like that, and it was reflected on the field. If someone had to be blamed, they blamed me. I do self-criticism and should have played better. But I was always blamed, even if I played for a few minutes."
The Chilean’s words about the side not being ‘united’ is evident as recently as this week with reports that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave the group. Man United want to keep hold of him but he has missed the first two days of pre-season training citing ‘family reasons.’
Mikel Arteta has worked hard to create an environment of unity in the squad and taken a no-nonsense approach to those who have been disruptive in the past. After being given multiple opportunities to apologise, football.london understands, Matteo Guendouzi eventually left the club permanently this summer.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left the club for Barcelona in January after disciplinary breaches. The likes of Mesut Ozil have also been moved on, with the Germany international keen to make his feelings known after he left the Emirates to join Fenerbahce.
Arteta’s ruthless approach to squad building has constructed a togetherness that helped a very young side come excruciatingly close to Champions League qualification last season. Martinez might want to consider the environments he would be walking into, and Arsenal looks the most attractive at the moment by some distance.
READ NEXT:
Mikel Arteta's surprising Arsenal leadership decision could lead to shock transfer U-turn
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Emirates
Full Arsenal Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
The Lisandro Martinez edge Arsenal have could prove biggest critics wrong with transfer win
Lisandro Martinez transfer twist must prepare Arsenal for alternative options this summer
