Why Thomas Lemar Alongside Alexis Sanchez Would Make Arsenal An Unbeatable Unit
Arsenal, who lost their ‘top four’ status for the first time in two decades, are still sweating over the future of their star attacker Alexis Sanchez whose contract runs out next summer. He hasn’t yet signed a new deal to extend his stay at the Emirates. The Chilean, though he netted 30 times last season and played a key role in their record 13th time FA Cup triumph, is now eyeing greater glory as well as Champions League football amidst interest from top European outfits.
The Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, however, is determined to retain his prized asset despite the contract dispute and wants to set an instance to the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who also have refrained from signing a new deal. Despite his willingness to play in Europe’s most elite competition, the veteran Frenchman has been adamant to keep hold of Sanchez and urged him to take Arsenal back to the prestigious Champions League by replicating his scintillating run of last season.
“The decision has been made and we will stick to that – the decision is not to sell.”
These were the words from the gaffer who let Dutchman Robin van Persie join league rivals Manchester United and the hitman guided the Red Devils to win the league title, scoring most number of goals (netted 26 times in 38 league outings) during the 2012-13 campaign. Wenger is resolved not to repeat the same mistake and is even prepared to let the 28-year old attacker depart on a free transfer next summer.
The Frenchman, who recently extended his stay for another two years, is focusing on the upcoming season and securing new recruits in order to make their way back to Champions League football. They have brought in former Schalke 04 left-back Sead Kolasinac on a Bosman transfer along with French marksman Alexandre Lacazette for a club record £52.7m fee following his persistent high-scoring campaigns for French outfit Olympic Lyon. The Gunners are also after 21-year old French sensation Thomas Lemar who was impressive for AS Monaco and played a key role in their Ligue1 winning campaign.
Arsenal, however, have been left frustrated by Les Monégasques who have already lost three of their top performers in Tiemoue Bakayoko, Bernardo Silva and Benjamin Mendy. They are desperate to prevent a mass exodus amidst strong interests on Lemar, alongside striking sensation Kylian Mbappe and versatile Brazilian Fabinho. But as per latest reports, Monaco are willing to listen to offers around £55mil and the Gunners will now have to break their transfer record again in the same window. Arsenal are not restricting their outlay this time and Wenger’s eagerness might see them strike a deal for the youngster.
Acquiring Thomas Lemar and retaining Alexis Sanchez (with hitman Lacazette up front) will build a formidable attacking force for the Gunners. Lemar will certainly be an upgrade on English international Theo Walcott who has often struggled with injuries and inconsistency in the past. The Frenchman will bring in pace, directness and will provide goal scoring opportunities with his range of passing and crossing skills. The front trio alongside Mesut Ozil in an attacking midfield role will enhance Arsenal’s chances to make it to the top four and with a couple of further reinforcements in other slots (central midfield and defence), the Gunners will emerge as strong title contenders once more.
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