ARSENE Wenger believes Alexis Sanchez will be "very quickly back to his best" after the forward stayed at Arsenal despite being heavily linked with a summer departure.

The Chile international, who has less than a year remaining on his Gunners contract, was the subject of a deadline-day bid from Manchester City after months of speculation that he was a target for Pep Guardiola.

It was reported that Arsenal had agreed a fee with Manchester City for Sanchez to leave, but that the deal collapsed because the north London club were unable to complete the signing of Monaco winger Thomas Lemar in time.

Sanchez cut a forlorn figure in the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool prior to the international break and endured more misery with Chile in the World Cup qualifiers.

But, after the former Barcelona man posted a picture of himself in his Arsenal shirt on social media accompanied by the message: "Back Home. FOCUS", Wenger has backed him to shine again this term.

Sanchez is expected to retain his place for the visit of Cherries tomorrow.

"I have no doubt about Alexis' mind and mentality that people question," said Wenger.

"He needs to come back to full fitness, which he was not at Liverpool. It was his first game.

"He suffered, he had a negative experience with Chile but he is strong mentally and hopefully he will be very quickly back to his best."