Change Of Plan – Two Transfers That Arsenal Should Do If They Lose Alexis Sanchez This Summer
Arsenal have been left frustrated in order to keep hold of their star attacker, Alexis Sanchez, as the Chilean international has not yet signed a contract extension despite having less than 12 months left on his current deal and wants to move out for greater glory and Champions League football. The Gunners failed to secure a ‘top four’ finish last term and Arsene Wenger, the veteran Frenchman, has decided to renew his managerial status for two more years and has not at all been baffled by a frenzy of rage.
He is determined to take them back to Europe’s elite by regaining a place in the top four and is adamant to hold on to his prized asset who has been approached by big guns Manchester City and most recently Paris Saint-Germain.
“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 has urged Sanchez to stay at the club and help them return to the prestigious tournament by replicating his last season’s scintillating run of form. Although the Chilean has not handed in a transfer request, his unwillingness to continue at Emirates might alter things in no time. The Gunners must identify his alternatives and plan accordingly as to how to spend ‘the Sanchez money’ if the 28-year old attacker completes a switch later on.
Despite having less than a year left on his contract, Sanchez will be sold for a hefty fee in such an inflated market and Arsenal will have to bolster their lineup by investing the amount received.
The Gunners have already brought in former Schalke 04 left-back Sead Kolasinac on a Bosman transfer along with French hitman Alexandre Lacazette following his persistent high-scoring campaigns with Ligue1 outfit Olympic Lyon. Thomas Lemar of AS Monaco has been a prime transfer target for Wenger and the French boss must not be put off by a high asking fee as the 21-year old French international holds a bright future ahead of him and can prove to be a long-term successor of Alexis Sanchez.
Arsenal, moreover, need to strengthen their midfield too. Granit Xhaka took some time to settle in, due to indiscipline and inconsistency. Francis Coquelin had a disappointing campaign whereas Mohamed Elneny failed to impress the Gunners boss and might be transferred out by the end of next month. Barcelona star Rafinha has previously been linked with a move, however, the North London giants must set their sights on Portuguese international William Carvalho instead.
The 25-year old Sporting CP midfielder has been a long-term target for Arsene Wenger but a high asking fee has prevented the move in previous windows. Carvalho is being monitored by a host of top European outfits and the Gunners must act faster if they wish to seal a deal this time for the decorated deep-lying playmaker. He is hailed for his strong passing skills, ball control and high work ethics. He fits Wenger’s style of football and Carvalho’s arrival might prove to be a long-term solution in Arsenal midfield.
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