There’s been reports that Arsenal are set to rival Juventus for Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez, who feels his time is up at the Camp Nou, after not being able to secure a regular starting spot, and is set for a new move, and fresh challenge. Juventus are set to move for Sanchez, with a view of getting the deal done swiftly before the world cup, or other clubs come into the spotlight. The fee reported is £20 million, and seeing his availability and possible Juve switch has alerted Arsenal’s interest.
This signing would excite the fans. It is exactly the type of player we should be looking at, if we’re to push on next season and rival the oil clubs. Clocking in 18 goals, 10 assists in La Liga, show’s Sanchez’s quality and the improvement he would bring to Arsenal’s forward line. Pace, and power in abundance, with quick feet, and an end product to back it all up, Sanchez offers a lot to be excited about, as well as covering all along the front line. Arsenal could deploy him as a striker if need be, in a similar fashion to Walcott, who likewise, boosts similar stats. His versatility already puts him on Wenger’s special little list, not to mention his key contribution. If Arsenal did manage to acquire his services, he’d likely occupy the left side of an attacking trio. And with Theo operating on the right, the thought of these two would scare any defence. And it is this fear from other teams that Arsenal are missing. It is players like Sanchez that provide this. Arsenal suffer too many injuries, and not seriously considering Sanchez, if reports of a Juve transfer are true, would be a huge mistake. He’s 25, and already developed, and has the physique that should feel right at home within the premier league, giving him a greater chance of hitting the ground running.
I don’t see any risk in buying Sanchez. He’s played on the biggest stage for Barcelona, scored, and created in abundance, and is approaching his peak. There’s no waiting period, which you may see with the arrival of someone like Draxler. Yes, Draxler is a top player, and will only get better. But Sanchez is already there. And for £20 million, he is a bargain. And we all know Wenger likes bargains. Arsenal need to act fast if they’re to secure his signature, and see off Juve before the World Cup settles in. There’s no reason why this deal cannot be done. Arsenal have the money. The deal is well within their summer budget. And you’d hope Arsenal, and the chaos of the Premier league, would be able to lure a top player away from the boredom of Italian football.
[divider]
Photo via Clément Bucco-Lechat