Arsenal named as shock contender to bring back Alexis Sanchez but face one Prem threat

Arsenal are being linked with a surprise reunion with Alexis Sanchez ahead of the striker’s exit from Inter Milan – but could face competition from elsewhere.

It is fair to say the most successful period of Sanchez’s career came when he was at Arsenal. Between 2014 and 2018, he scored 80 goals in 166 appearances for them. In the years that have followed, he has never quite hit the same heights.

An 18-month spell with Manchester United was underwhelming, before he left the Premier League behind. The former Udinese attacker ended up back in Serie A with Inter Milan from 2019 onwards.

His time there is now approaching its end, despite there still being 12 months left on his contract. Inter are evolving their attack, with the planned acquisitions of Romelu Lukaku and Paulo Dybala.

It means Sanchez – who scored nine times for them in the 2021-22 season – could be offloaded. Even at the age of 33, there are a few major clubs who still believe in him.

According to Chilean source La Tercera, Arsenal are one of the clubs observing Sanchez’s situation.

However, another option for the former Barcelona star would be to sign for Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa. In fact, they are reportedly willing to match his €8m annual salary (£132,000 per week) from Inter.

Further afield, the leading contenders for his signature appear to be Marseille. The French outfit are managed by his former national team boss Jorge Sampaoli.

Alternatively again, Barcelona could lure him back to La Liga – or Atletico Madrid could present him with a new option in Spain.

Arsenal should swerve any Alexis Sanchez temptation

It is somewhat surprising to see Arsenal linked with Sanchez again. True, his previous spell there was good, but his form since has not been.

Besides, Arsenal have been building a younger attack with the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe.

Indeed, it may help to add some experience to the mix. But that does not mean Sanchez would be the right solution, even if Arsenal are in need of options up front.

Likewise, a return to Barcelona would not seem wise given their depth in attack and pursuit of other options.

Instead, Sanchez should look for a completely new experience this summer. Could Villa be appealing? Perhaps, but there may be more logic behind a reunion with Sampaoli at Marseille.

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