If there is one player the current Chelsea team could do with, that player is Arsenal’s Alexis Sánchez. The Blues should go all out to get the Chilean superstar this winter since it is clear he wants to leave the Emirates.
The 28-year-old is yet to sign a new contract to commit his future to the Gunners and this has led to speculation that Sánchez could be off this winter, rather than on a free transfer in the summer when his current contract is due to expire. And rightly so, it would make no sense for Arsenal to let him leave for free when they can get a small fee for him during next month’s winter transfer window.
First, it must be said that Alexis Sánchez is one of Arsenal’s best players and the thought that he could be leaving will surely be giving Arsène Wenger a headache. The Frenchman has a decision to make: should he let Sánchez leave on a cut price deal in January; or keep him at the club, believing he will be focused enough to help the team regain their spot in the top four?
So far this season Sánchez has looked a shadow of himself and, if I were in position to make the decision for Arsenal, I would sell him next month rather than letting him go on a free transfer. I can understand Arsenal not wanting to strengthen a direct rival. However, the truth is, the Gunners are not going to win the Premier League title this season. In my opinion, Manchester City have won it already and it is better for Arsenal to start preparing ahead for next season. The forward has shown he doesn’t want to play for the team and it could be counter-productive for Arsenal to continue to force him to stay.
Manchester City is the likeliest destination for the former Udinese and Barcelona star but he could do a job for Chelsea and I think the Blues should make a move for him. I am not sure what Sánchez and his agent are thinking but, if you ask me, a move to City wouldn’t be ideal for him. Sanchez is the type of player who enjoys holding on to the ball, which sees him lose possession a lot – something Guardiola, a manager who enjoys keeping possession, is unlikely to tolerate. But at Chelsea, that wouldn’t be such a major issue.
Based on City’s playing style, I really do not see the Chilean international winning the battle against Leroy Sané and Raheem Sterling. Both Sané and Sterling have done incredibly well for City so far this season and I doubt Guardiola would drop either of them instantly for Sánchez. In my opinion, a move to City would end in tears for the South American. His best move would be to Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal ordinarily wouldn’t want to sell to Chelsea – or any of their Premier League rivals for that matter – but have little or no choice now. And a move to Chelsea would mean Sánchez and his family wouldn’t have to leave London.
Sánchez could thrive in Chelsea’s 3-4-3 formation, where he could be deployed on the right with Eden Hazard on the left and Álvaro Morata upfront. He has played in this formation since the end of last season with Arsenal and is used to it. He could also be used in the 3-5-2 formation that Antonio Conte has deployed of late. Either on the left flank with Hazard behind Morata or Sánchez behind Morata and Hazard on the flank. Signing Sánchez could also enable Conte to try the 4-3-3 formation. A front three of Sánchez, Hazard and Morata would certainly score goals and scare defences even before games kicked off.
Another plus is the fact that Alexis Sánchez can play in the Champions League with Chelsea this season as he won’t be cup-tied.
