Alexis: I’m in the same bracket as Messi and Ronaldo

Alexis Sanchez: Linked with Juventus

Alexis Sanchez: Linked with Juventus

Alexis Sanchez thinks he is in the same bracket as La Liga stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Arsenal forward believes he is on the same level as Barcelona’s Messi and Real Madrid’s Ronaldo despite having to leave the Nou Camp in search of regular first-team action in 2014.

Alexis has been a huge hit for the Gunners after his £31.7million arrival in north London two years ago and he has scored 43 goals in 96 appearances in all competitions.

And the Chile international now says he should be considered alongside the world’s best.

Messi told Sport: “I have reached a level where I can compete with great players. I do not feel inferior to anybody.

“I liken my qualities to Messi and Ronaldo. I have the same abilities as them.”

Messi and Ronaldo are considered to be the best two players on the planet and the pair have held a monopoly over the Ballon d’Or award for the past eight years with Messi claiming the award five times in that period and Ronaldo the remaining three, including in two of the last three years.

Alexis, who was nominated for the 2015 award, which was won by Messi, has won Primera Liga and Copa del Rey medals with Barca and also has an FA Cup triumph to his name with Arsenal.

The 27-year-old has made three Premier League appearances this season and he scored the in the 3-1 win over Watford.