Bayern Munich have opened talks with Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez, according to reports.
According to SportBild, Bayern Munich are looking to overhaul their squad with the plan to create a mix of established German players as well as some international superstars within their squad – similar to how they have operated in recent seasons.
Bayern need to freshen up their squad as Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are 33 and 34 respectively and while the Dutchman still looks as fit as ever, Ribery has shown signs of decline this season.
It is no surprise, then, that Bayern are on the lookout for replacements and given Alexis Sanchez’s magnificent performances for Arsenal this season – despite the Gunners having their worst campaign yet under Arsene Wenger – it is natural they are monitoring the Chilean’s situation.
Sanchez will only have one year remaining on his current contract at the end of the season and despite Arsene Wenger’s insistence that the Chilean superstar will not be sold even if he does not sign a new contract, the right offer could tempt Arsenal to cash in on their star man.
Bayern Munich’s interest in Sanchez became very apparent towards the end of last month and Sportbild have gone one further, claiming the Bavarian giants have already made contact with the Arsenal talisman.
They claim that Sanchez’s representative Fernando Felicevic – who also represents Bayern’s Arturo Vidal – has been a key factor in these supposed talks and if true, this certainly won’t be the first time a shared agent has begun unofficial talks even before a club has officially been given permission to speak to a player.
Sanchez has cut a frustrated figure over the last few months as Arsenal’s yearly collapse was underway and it is telling that he has refused all contract offers up to this point, a clear indicator that he is considering a move away from the club – despite Arsene Wenger’s insistence that he is happy at the Emirates.
Given that Arsenal look increasingly likely to finish outside of the UEFA Champions League qualifying spots this season, Sanchez could well push for a move at the end of the season – especially as he is already 28 years of age.
A significant offer from Bayern Munich could suit all parties, as Arsenal will definitely prefer to sell the Chilean abroad. Bayern would also be able to afford Sanchez’s wage demands – something Arsenal cannot – so this is definitely a move that could happen come the end of the season.
