Conte gives surprising Sanchez prediction despite reports of Man City move

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte believes Alexis Sanchez will finish the season at Arsenal despite massive interest from Manchester City this January.

The 29-year-old is hotly tipped to leave the Gunners this month to join Pep Guardiola’s side, having almost made the move in the summer to the Etihad Stadium.

The Blues are another club that have been linked with the Chile international, however City have been leading the race in the last few months for his signature.

Sanchez’s contract with the Gunner runs out in the summer, so this is the last chance that Arsenal will have to make some money off one of their best players, otherwise he will go for free in July.

However, Conte feels that Sanchez may stick it out at the Emirates Stadium until his contract does eventually wind down.

“For sure we are talking about an important player, about a good player,” Conte said. “If this type of situation happens, because in my opinion I think Sanchez will finish the season at Arsenal, this is my opinion, I don’t know.

“But if happens a different situation …I don’t know, I don’t know what will happen during the transfer market this month because every team can rely on the transfer market to improve, to become more strong.”

Asked whether or not he expects Sanchez to start the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg tonight at Stamford Bridge, Conte added: “My expectation is to see the best team from Arsenal . My expectation, I have this expectation to play against the best team.”