Liverpool legend-turned-pundit Michael Owen feels it is almost impossible for Alexis Sanchez to stay put at Arsenal beyond the current campaign.

The Chile international has just nine months left on his present Emirates deal, and Owen believes there is nothing to motivate him to remain at the north London club.

Sanchez, 28, failed to secure a deadline-day move to Manchester City last summer, and he has since made his decision clear by refusing to sign a new contract. Though, the Chilean has returned to the starting line-up of late, Owen is convinced that the forward will leave the Gunners at the end of the season.

Speaking to BT Sport, Owen said: "If he’s interested in securing himself for the rest of his life financially, he’ll leave. If he’s interested in winning medals then he’ll leave. There’s no way possible that he can stay in my eyes. He jumps off the page. He jumps into any Premier League team. And when you look at some of the teams we’ve got at the minute, they’re brilliant, yet he’d walk into any team. He is that good. And I’d be astonished if you see him in an Arsenal shirt next season."

Apart from Owen, Robbie Savage also backed Sanchez to leave the Gunners as they are 'a million miles away' from challenging for major honours under Arsene Wenger. With the transfer window reopening in January, Arsenal will have the option of cashing in on the attacker, though the final decision could depend on their position on the Premier League table.

Arsenal generally tend to make a strong challenge for the English title, only to squander their hopes in January, but this season has been different with a couple of defeats early on against Stoke City and Liverpool. Arsene Wenger's side went through the month of September on an unbeaten streak, and they will be hoping to continue their form following the international break.