How do you solve a problem like Alexis Sanchez? Not good enough for Barcelona and too good for Arsenal, with many clubs circling the contract rebel it looks like the Chilean could be off for a big move to one of Europe’s big teams.
Bayern Munich, Manchester City and PSG are all marked as suitors of interest, especially after the season he has had in scoring 31 goals and registering 13 assists. So if he is on his way out, who could Wenger bring in to replace his main man?
One option would be Lyon’s Alexander Lacazette who has been crying out for a move away from France with his performances and pedigree suggesting he has outgrown the French side.
At 25 years old he has his best years ahead of him, a clinical goal scorer eho has scored over 20 goals a season for the last 5 seasons. With this record being topped of with 37 goals in all competitions last season, he has a keen eye for goal and he would be an ideal replacement for Sanchez with a price tag of £50 million: a snip in the relativity of the modern market for a player with such consistent goal-scoring statistics.
Another option for Arsenal would be to sign a more traditional winger in order to compliment Oliver Giroud who is very underrated striker and can score with his feet and his head. One man that could be picked up is Monaco’s Thomas Lemar.
Lemar has been hugely overshadowed by his teammate Kylian Mbappe in Monaco’s starting XI this season, but by no means is any less attractive as a transfer proposition to Wenger. The 21-year-old Frenchman has enjoyed his breakthrough season scoring 14 goals in all competitions, but what highlights his all-round contribution to the team is his delivery of 14 assists.
Still young, he has plenty of time to grow into a more complete player. Without Champions League football it would give Lemar time to settle and help Arsenal push back up to the top-4. He could fit into the Arsenal starting XI and could provide for the strikers from the wing and still pose a threat in front of goal.
Lastly, another option would be Bayern Munich’s Douglas Costa. The Brazilian is rumoured to be unhappy at the German champions and is reportedly looking for a move away from the Allianz.
Costa as Arsenal fans know has the ability to make any defender look silly, especially after how he surpassed Bellerin time and time again in the Champions League. Now could be the time to acquire the 26 year-old after not having his best season having scored eight goals and creating six assists.
Whilst not as impressive last season he is still a top class player and has the potential to match and potentially surpass Sanchez if he is able to rediscover his form: Arsenal could provide Costa with this platform to thrive.
There are options for Wenger to replace the Chilean ace, and at 28 years old he could be passing his peak. Should Arsenal decide to sell Sanchez a huge transfer fee can be expected, though who Wenger will turn to in replacing his star man? Only time will tell.
Written by Henry Tomlinson.
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