Paper Round: Wenger makes Sanchez threat, Poch slams 'enemy' Xavi

Under-pressure Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said he would rather lose “talismanic” striker Alexis Sanchez for nothing next year, when his contract expires, than sell him this summer to a Premier League rival this summer. Wenger is quoted in Wednesday’s Mirror as saying he thinks the Chile international will sign an extension with the club. But, he says: “If he doesn’t sign a new deal, I will make him stay? Yes. Would I rather keep him than sell him to a Premier League side? Yes.” Wenger added the stalemate between the two parties is “contractual” rather due to a lack of commitment to the club.

Paper Round’s view: Arsenal could undoubtedly make a tidy sum by the sale of Sanchez this summer, but they’re not really hard up and Wenger isn’t known for his solid transfer-window investments of late. What’s the point of selling Sanchez now? Wenger’s right, of course – why would he want to strengthen someone else’s side, not least when it will be increasingly hard for him to attract talent to the club from elsewhere?

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Mauricio Pochettino hit back at Tuesday's reports that PFA Young Player of the Year Dele Alli could leave Spurs this summer to head to Manchester City. Responding to comments made by Barcelona legend Xavi just a day before, the Spurs boss was quick to dismiss speculation. He is quoted as having said: "Xavi is in a period where he loves to talk...He's my enemy. He tried to destroy our focus to win because he hates me because he's Barcelona and I'm Espanyol."

Paper Round’s view: Well, now we know not to upset Pochettino, who also had some choice words about Xavi's grasp of the rules when it came to staying on his feet on the pitch. Alli is a class act with huge potential and we're sure he'll attract plenty of offers over the course of his career if they've not already started rolling in, as is often reported. Spurs will have to win something eventually if they want to keep hold of Alli, but with their current squad, manager and determination, we think they stand a good chance of doing that next season - you'd be a fool not to stick around to find out, in Alli's position.

The Sun reports on Wednesday that Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha will be offered £120k per week – double his current salary – in a bid to keep him at Selhurst Park. Zaha has been linked with North Londoners Spurs a number of times, but the club have managed to keep hold of him. Asked if a £40 million bid by Spurs would force Palace to sell, boss Sam Allardyce is quoted as having said: “I hope nobody bids it” – not exactly fighting talk.

Paper Round’s view: According to reports last year, a salary of £120k per week would put Zaha on the same income as team-mate Christian Benteke, who has scored a decent 14 goals and two assists across all competitions this season. With six goals and nine assists, Zaha has proven almost as useful for the one-time strugglers.

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Maria Sharapova features on a number of Wednesday’s back pages as she prepares for a return to professional tennis competition in the Stuttgart Open. Having seen out her 15-month ban for taking banned substance meldonium, Sharapova is set to take on Roberta Vinci on Wednesday, thanks to a wildcard entry into the tournament, having lost her previously eligible ranking during her time out of competition. The return is shrouded in controversy, however, as it comes just 24 hours after the expiration of her ban.

Paper Round’s view: It’s hard not to agree with the likes of Andy Murray when they argue players returning from drugs bans should prove their commitment to the sport by working their way back up the rankings into competition. However, you can see the appeal for organisers, who want to shift tickets to their event, and Sharapova will certainly do that. The five-time Grand Slam champion will have her work cut out for her if she’s to regain the respect of the tennis community, and it will be interesting to see if Serena Williams’ season’s maternity leave gives Sharapova the opportunity to do that.

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