Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger does not know the exact reason Alexis Sanchez chose the Emirates Stadium over Anfield, but is glad the Chile forward will be lining up for his side rather than against them for Liverpool today.

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Sanchez had his selection of clubs once Barcelona had decided to let him leave, and following the World Cup, the 26-year-old was convinced to continue his career under Wenger’s expert guidance, going on to make an instant impression in English football.

The French coach, however, admits the possibility Liverpool could use their interest in Sanchez as leverage during negotiations over Luis Suarez’s move to the Nou Camp last summer was always on the cards.

“At the end of the day, only Sanchez can explain to you why he has chosen us. I don’t know why he did that, but we are happy that he made that decision,” said Wenger of the Chile forward, who has netted 19 goals so far.

“I was (aware of Liverpool’s interest), but you never know if it is really true, but I thought it could be because of the interest in Suarez (from Barcelona).

“In the negotiations, yes, it is a strength – and it makes sense, an exchange and some money for Liverpool.”

Ahead of the key Premier League clash, Wenger was keen to play down any talk of a potential summer transfer move for Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling, who has so far rejected a new contract offer.

Wenger has been impressed by the way Brendan Rodgers has developed his team following the sale of Suarez and injury to striker Daniel Sturridge.

“He has done very well. I think he found a solution at the right time,” the Arsenal manager said. “They did well last season too, they scored over 100 goals in the Premier League, which is absolutely fantastic.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers accepts his side cannot afford not to turn up in another big game if their top-four ambitions are to survive.

Prior to the international break the Reds’ 13-match unbeaten league run was ended at home to Champions League-chasing rivals Manchester United, leaving them five points adrift of the qualification places. Defeat at third-placed Arsenal would be a huge blow to their aspirations of returning to Europe’s elite for a second successive season.

“We’ve made it difficult for ourselves because of our last performance and result, but it’s certainly achievable,” he said of their top-four chances.

“Over the course of the last three months, apart from the last game, we’ve performed very well and we have got results. “I think people might look at it as a must-win game. For me, it is a must-perform game, we want to perform well and we know that when we do that we’ve got every chance of winning.”