West Ham plot lifeline for familiar attacker after consecutive transfer flops

West Ham United have been looking into a deal for out-of-form Inter Milan attacker Alexis Sanchez, according to a reporter in Italy.

Sanchez has suffered an unfortunate decline in recent years. It all started with his departure from Arsenal for Manchester United in an ill-fated swap deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The move didn’t work out for either player to the extent that was expected.

But while Mkhitaryan has rebuilt his career in Italy since leaving the Premier League, Sanchez has failed to do so himself.

After only managing five goals across two seasons for Man Utd, they allowed him to join Inter on loan and then permanently, without receiving a final transfer fee.

Sanchez hasn’t left his struggles behind him in Manchester though. Since joining Inter, he scored four goals in his debut season and seven in his second year. This term, he is out of favour and form.

Yet to start a game in any competition or to contribute directly to a goal, the Chilean forward is becoming a burden for the Italian champions. A high earner on the wage bill, which Inter have been desperately trying to reduce recently, it seems likely he will leave in January.

Sanchez is currently behind Lautaro Martinez, Edin Dzeko and Joaquin Correa in Inter’s pecking order. To complicate the situation, they are still being linked with signing another striker in January.

By that time, the 32-year-old may also be on the move. In the process, he could return to the Premier League – and to London.

Inter could be forced to sell Spurs targets

Inter Milan could be forced to sell Spurs targets Lautaro Martinez and Milan Skriniar due to financial troubles, with more news on Dusan Vlahovic and Donny van de Beek.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, West Ham have carried out some thinking about a potential move for him. Their options in attack, of course, are relatively slim.

Sanchez is not an out-and-out centre-forward, so would not necessarily solve their issues there. However, he could be a useful additional option if he can recapture his Arsenal form – which is admittedly highly questionable.

In addition to West Ham, Sanchez has also been looked at by French outfit Marseille, as well as some sides in Spain.

But the Hammers were actually linked with him earlier in the summer as well. Nothing came of that during the transfer window, but the situation will be open again in January.

West Ham would be taking a gamble by going for Sanchez, so will have to weigh up whether it would be worthwhile or not.

But if they remain in the Europa League by that point, signing another experienced player could help them compete on all fronts.

West Ham in another Serie A battle

Coincidentally, West Ham have also been linked with another former Arsenal player currently struggling in Serie A.

David Moyes’ side are reportedly contenders for the signature of Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

The Wales international has encountered several problems since moving to Italy and his decision to win over returning coach Max Allegri this year has not been successful.

Like Sanchez at Inter, his wages are unsustainable for his current club in comparison to his output. Therefore, a January exit is looking likely.

West Ham have been looking at Ramsey for a while and Calciomercato recently confirmed their interest remains. There is also competition from Everton.

As things stand, they are merely gathering information. Neither club has made any kind of offer. However, he is a player that they are considering.

Therefore, it could be the case that West Ham pull off both deals and reunite two ex-Arsenal teammates.

READ MORE: West Ham persist in defender pursuit as Juventus frustration grows