It seems that Alexis Sanchez is definitely leaving Arsenal this month. The Chilean international looked set to make a move to Manchester City in the summer, because of his admiration for Citizens boss Pep Guardiola.
The Citizens were keen on doing a deal this month. However, they were not prepared to meet the player’s, agent and transfer fee, so have now withdrawn from the race to sign the forward.
In the meantime, arch-rivals Manchester United have nipped in and reportedly offered a £35million transfer fee, while also meeting Sanchez’s wage demands of £350,000 per week. It looked like a done deal.
However, in a complication to the whole deal, it seems that Chelsea is also interested in signing the former Barcelona star this month. Interest from the reigning champions may delay any deal with United. Sanchez is now odds of 2/9 to be a Manchester United player by the time the January transfer window shuts.
Talented but temperamental
When on song Alexis Sanchez is a fantastic player to watch. He is a matchwinner and a joy to watch. At times, he can win a game on his own. However, sometimes that is a problem for Sanchez, who believes he has to do everything.
For a long time at Arsenal, he has been the star player and often his frustration at his teammate’s decision-making has boiled over into full-on strops. His reactions are understandable, but he goes over the top at times with his gestures.
Alexis Sanchez is a good player. However, he is not a Lionel Messi, Neymar or a Cristiano Ronaldo. If he were then he would still be at Barcelona. He is arguably a level below the best players in the world.
Sanchez may be passionate and a winner, but maybe his temperament has stopped him becoming a truly great player. His temperament is a worry, especially when things are not going his team’s way. In recent months, Sanchez has struggled to capture his best form. Some cynics have suggested that he has downed tools in north London.
A player worth signing
Despite his sulks and strops, Alexis Sanchez is still one of the best players in the Premier League. He would be a useful addition to both Chelsea and Manchester United’s attacking options while weakening Arsenal’s firepower at the same time.
Unlike at Arsenal of late, a happy Sanchez is a very dangerous weapon to have in your armoury as a team. He will work hard and has the ability to do the unexpected. This is why the likes of Chelsea and United are chasing him. It is also why Arsenal did not want to sell him.
Sanchez has a better chance of winning big trophies elsewhere
Alexis Sanchez may be picking up massive wages because of any move. However, his next move is not likely to just be motivated by a bigger wage packet. It is understandable that Sanchez wants to win the big trophies and he will now do that at Arsenal.
The Gunners have won the FA Cup in three of the last four seasons, but they will not be winning it this season after a humiliating third-round exit against Nottingham Forest. Anyway, the FA Cup is not the trophy a player wants to win in the modern game.
The top players want to be competing for the Premier League title or the Champions. Chelsea and Manchester United may not win either this season, but both have better foundations than Arsenal.
The north London club have stagnated under Arsene Wenger in recent years. They have gone backwards and they are now even struggling to qualify for the Champions League. For a long time, Sanchez seemed to be carrying the team on his shoulders. Maybe he wants a rest and to play with a better class of teammate elsewhere.
It seems almost certain that Alexis Sanchez will not be an Arsenal player for much longer. Where he goes is unclear at the moment. The next few weeks are set to be fascinating in the transfer window and they are sure to reveal Sanchez’s next destination.
Where will Alexis Sanchez be playing after the closing of this month’s transfer window?
