Chelsea have placed Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez on the top of their transfer priority list in the summer
According to Fabrizio Romano of the Guardian, Chelsea are looking to snatch Alexis Sanchez away from the clutches of Arsenal in the summer. The Chilean is reportedly unsettled at the club, and the Blues will try to capitalise on the situation by offering him an escape route.
After moving to Arsenal three seasons ago, Sanchez has gone on to become a key figure of the Gunners side. His versatility has been pivotal in guiding them to two FA Cups in the past three seasons.
This term, he has been deployed as a number nine due to Olivier Giroud’s poor showings in that position. He took to his new role, no questions asked, and began to fire in goals left, right and centre.
In fact, the Chilean led the goal-scoring charts midway through the campaign, but his output has diminished of late due to the team’s poor showings. Due to this, Sanchez is reportedly considering his future at the club, and could move to London rivals Chelsea.
The mood in and around the Emirates is negative, as the fans are growing disgruntled by Arsene Wenger at the helm. The Frenchman claims that he has made up is mind, and is expected to stay for at least an additional year.
His first issue after signing an extension will be to deal with Sanchez’s contract that expires next summer. Currently earning £130,000-per-week at Arsenal, the Chilean’s demands are believed to be in the region of £250,000.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte will not have a problem matching his asking rate, given the money that is being pumped in at the club by owner Roman Abramovich. Conte, too, is expected to be handed an extension, and his first acts could be to secure the services of Sanchez.
Sanchez prefers to play down the left flank, but Eden Hazard is unlikely to concede his position. The Belgian winger has been outstanding for Chelsea there this season, which would see the Chilean move to a more central position.
Blues striker Diego Costa has been linked with a move away from the club since the start of this season, and it may finally come to fruition should Sanchez move to Stamford Bridge. Sanchez is undoubtedly a better player off the ball than the Spain international, and could also add a bit of flair to the London outfit in the final third.
