Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Arsenal star eyed as partner for 80-goal former Gunners man with European suitors planning shock link up

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka (left) and Folarin Balogun after the Carabao Cup third round match at the Emirates Stadium, London.

An Arsenal player could surprisingly feature alongside Alexis Sanchez next season as Marseille are hoping to take him to Ligue 1, according to a report.

Sanchez was on Arsenal’s books between July 2014 and January 2018. After joining the Gunners in a £35million deal, the forward went on to become a huge hit at the Emirates, managing 80 goals and 45 assists in 166 appearances. During Sanchez’s time in North London, Arsenal won two FA Cups, while also lifting one Community Shield.

But Sanchez left Arsenal fans shocked midway through the 2017-18 season when he left for Manchester United in a swap deal which saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan go in the opposite direction. Sanchez’s Arsenal contract had been due to expire at the end of the season and they did not want to lose him on a free transfer, which is why they made the move.

However, the Chilean could not replicate his Arsenal form at Old Trafford as he bagged just five goals in 45 outings for them. The Red Devils soon became frustrated with Sanchez’s poor displays and subsequently loaned him out to Inter, whom he joined permanently on a free in September 2020. The 34-year-old has been on Marseille’s books since last summer and notched 18 goals in 44 games during his debut season with the club.

Sanchez’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, although recent reports emerging from France have suggested he will agree fresh terms with Marseille.

And Sanchez could end up playing alongside Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun next term. As per French newspaper L’Equipe, Marseille have set their sights on the USA international as they believe he is the perfect attacker to compliment Sanchez’s ability.

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Marseille have been put on alert by Arsenal’s recent decision to put Balogun up for sale. Gunners sporting director Edu Gaspar has decided he can leave for £35m this summer.

Premier League teams Brentford, Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham and West Ham have all been backed to submit offers for Balogun. They have been impressed by his loan spell with Stade Reims, during which he scored 22 goals in 39 matches and finished the season as one of the top scorers in France.

Marseille could beat five English sides to player

But those English clubs are now at risk of missing out on Balogun to Marseille.

The report adds that Marseille view Monaco goalscorer Wissam Ben Yedder as an alternative attacking signing to Balogun. However, it would make far more sense if the Ligue 1 outfit moved for Balogun. As Sanchez is in the twilight years of his career, Marseille need a younger player to eventually take over from him. Balogun fits this requirement perfectly as he is 21, whereas Ben Yedder is 32.

Arsenal had been hoping to give Balogun another loan spell to continue his development next term. But on June 19 the player took his future into his own hands by saying he ‘definitely won’t go on loan again’.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have successfully fended off their main transfer rivals for one player, although they must still reach an agreement before landing him.