One of the biggest transfer stories of the summer included Alexis Sanchez’s apparent desire to leave to Arsenal. Due to his contract at the Emirates having just under a year to run at the time, the price offered certainly didn’t justify the quality of the Chilean forward. The situation never came to anything but with Arsenal’s shocking season so far, he is now the talk of the January window with a fee of £30 million being discussed.
Manchester City were the favourites to sign him in the summer and reignited their interest at the beginning of this month, when they were joined by their city rivals Manchester United, who now lead the race for his signature. Pep Guardiola has confirmed that his side will no longer pursue the former Barcelona man, opening the door for Chelsea to join the equation.
The Blues may have left it too late as Sanchez, who featured in the Carabao Cup semifinal goalless draw, looks as good as gone, with a deal including Henrik Mkhitaryan going in the other direction reportedly agreed – but they have made their presence known. The story of Chelsea’s apparent interest broke on Monday night and if the champions were to secure a deal for him, it would be a brilliant signing.
Antonio Conte’s side are struggling this season and with the added firepower of Alexis Sanchez in their frontline, their battle for trophies would be massively boosted. Alongside Alvaro Morata and Eden Hazard in a forward three, the 29-year-old would form part of one of the deadliest attacking trios in world football at Stamford Bridge but many fear Chelsea have left it too late.
Sanchez’s preference was supposedly Man City due to his relationship with Guardiola during their time in Spain but Man United have offered more money to the Gunners and more to the player himself. Chelsea are a side that could match the price tag and the wage demands but if a deal is already in place with the Red Devils, it is out of Conte’s hands as to where Sanchez will see out the January transfer window.
If the Blues are able to sign the Arsenal forward, it would be a fantastic piece of business as they would be getting a very good player for a massively cut-price. Whichever side takes advantage of the great price will be getting a world-class star who has the ability to single-handedly win Premier League games. Alexis Sanchez would definitely be a top addition to the Chelsea side if they can persuade him to relocate to West London.
