Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal will have to pay £70 million to replace Alexis Sanchez if they fail to keep hold of him at the end of the season.
During his live punditry on BT Sport, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand stated that Arsenal will have a colossal task in replacing someone of the calibre of Alexis Sanchez.
According to Squawka, the Englishman said, “If you want to replace him, you’ll have to spend £50m, £60m, £70m in today’s market. He’s the guy that’s keeping them in the Champions League football. His history suggests he doesn’t stay too long at football clubs.”
Also, due to Chinese involvement in football, the prices of players are being inflated to a further degree. Many of the top European sides fail to might up to the financial might of the clubs in China as they aren’t backed by the government.
Taking this aspect into consideration, Ferdinand said, “With the amount of money that’s around in places like China, it’ll test if he wants to stay around and win silverware in Europe or if the financial gains that he can receive in China is something that floats his boat.”
Sanchez has taken the new role into his stride this term and has excelled exceptionally playing as the focal point of Arsenal’s attack. Olivier Giroud’s frailties in front of goal saw Arsene Wenger play the Chilean as the number nine, and he has repaid the manager’s faith with a 17-goal return in the league with 13 games still to go.
This is his best turnout in his career in England, and has also registered an impressive eight league assists this season – making him, by far, Gunners’ is highest goalmouth contributor.
The 28-year-old has, at times, carried the burden of the entire Arsenal team on his shoulders, and has kept the North London side in a realistic race for the Premier League. However, if reports are to be believed, the player is considering his future at the Emirates.
He has admitted to being content with life at the club, but will be looking for a massive pay hike if he is to commit his future. Sanchez currently has 18 months left to see out on his contract, and if a negotiation hasn’t been reached at the start of next season, Wenger will be looking to make profit considerably from his sale.
As of now, the future of Wenger is a tad dicey, and the contract of Sanchez is currently on the back-burner at the club. However, if the Frenchman signs an extension, he is likely to play hard ball and keep hold of this season’s leading goal scorer.
