The Alexis Sanchez saga has another new story to help it rumble along as another possibility has spurned out, just as the January transfer window is about to open. It is no secret that Arsenal have failed to tie down their prized asset to a new contract and Sanchez, come the end of this 2017-18 season, will come to the end of his contract and will be free to move on to any club of his choice as a free agent. Despite the fear of losing such an asset on a free transfer, in a surprising turn of events, Wenger has chosen to not move the player on but to keep him for another season to help Arsenal win silverware.
A host of top European clubs have been linked with the Chilean winger whose impressive form has made him a top-target for them. The likes of PSG, Manchester City, and Chelsea have all been linked to him at one point or another during the summer. Sanchez was reportedly close to a deadline day move to domestic rivals Manchester City before Arsenal made an U-turn on the deal and chose to keep him instead.
Latest reports coming out of The Emirates claim that Gunners boss is ready embrace life without Sanchez and will look to bring in Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez to the club as a replacement for the want-away Chilean.
Roma were keen on the Algerian winger but failed to meet Leicester’s asking price. It is now being reported that Mahrez, who was key component in Leicester City’s 2015-16 title win is now once again a target for Wenger. The Algerian winger had lost his best form ever since Leicester’s title win but seems to be a rejuvenated player under new manager Claude Puel.
Leicester City who has so far managed to keep hold of Mahrez, might have very little to do if Arsenal do come with a healthy amount for the Algerian. Mahrez has played an important part in Leicester’s revival this season under Puel and losing him will be tough for the Foxes.
As for the player himself, Mahrez will surely be keen on a move to The Emirates in search of European football and if Sanchez leaves the onus of attacking football from the wings is likely to fall on him. He will directly walk into the side that will need some desperate creativity from the wings in the absence and Mahrez’s sleek style of dribbling football and prior experience of being the best in the league will make the 2015-16 PFA Player of the Year, a valuable addition to the team.
