Wenger: Reports of Alexis Sanchez bust-up 'completely false'

Arsene Wenger moved Monday to quash suggestions that his decision to drop leading scorer Alexis Sanchez against Liverpool was the result of a furious bust-up in training between the Chilean star and his teammates, branding the reports as "completely false."

Multiple outlets on Sunday claimed the 28-year-old walked out on a training session in the buildup to Saturday's 3-1 loss at Anfield, which led to a confrontation with angry peers in the dressing room.

Not so, according to Wenger.

"I'm not aware, nothing happened," Wenger said of the reports, per the BBC. "I explained after the game I decided to go for a more direct option, that was the unique reason for my decision.

"He is a committed player and sometimes with excessive behaviours but you have had that many times in the history of every squad."

Related: 3 potential summer destinations for Arsenal's agitated Sanchez

Pressed directly on the reports, Wenger said: "Completely false. I understand you have to fill newspapers."

(Photo courtesy: Reuters)

Sanchez, whose contract expires in 2018, is said to be nearing the exit at the Emirates, as rumblings continue to grow louder that his discontent will result in a transfer away from north London this summer.

Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have both been linked with a move for the versatile attacker, who leads Arsenal in both Premier League goals (17) and assists (9) this season.

For his part, the excitable forward looked to put the alleged issues behind him on Monday, shaking hands with Wenger upon his arrival at training while also taking to Instagram to suggest his emotions on the pitch stem simply from his affection for his teammates.