Arsène Wenger admits Alexis Sanchez could leave Arsenal within 48 hours

It could all be over soon.

Arsenal suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss to Bournemouth this afternoon, as they continued to lose ground on the top four. They were without the presence of Alexis Sánchez, who did not travel with the squad to the south coast. Mesut Özil was also missing today - Alexi Iwobi and Danny Welbeck started their second consecutive game in the two attacking spaces either side of Alexandre Lacazette. However, in the post-match press conference, all the questions were regarding Alexis Sánchez's absence from the squad, with the player being linked with both Manchester United and Manchester City. On whether Sanchez refused to play today, Wenger insisted that wasn't the case:

"Alexis would have played. But it’s a difficult period for him, he has always been committed until now, but he could have moved yesterday or today, or not."

He continued: "It will be decided in the next 48 hours."

"It could happen today, tomorrow or not at all. I didn’t want to travel with him and then he goes somewhere."

On the need to replace Sánchez after his imminent departure, Wenger said:

"If Sanchez goes, we need to replace him. When you look today we missed many players today. If he goes, we have to respond."

Bordeaux's Brazilian winger Malcom has been linked with a move to Arsenal, but Wenger said:

"There’s nothing concrete there. It’s better that I don’t come out on any specific name."

Wenger did not comment on which club was in prime position to sign Sánchez, who has just 6 months remaining on his contract.