Alexis Sanchez reportedly favours a move to the Premier League this summer over Serie A, but following his two World Cup performances with Chile, there is sure to be a long queue of potential suitors.
Barcelona are said to move the Chilean on, who, despite scoring 19 league goals last season, has only had one convincing full term at the Camp Nou. Regardless of that, few are able to understand the Catalan side’s thinking after the form Alexis has shown at this World Cup.
But Arsenal are in the market for a forward of Alexis’ quality, and after the failed bid for Luis Suarez last summer, the Chilean makes a lot of sense for Arsene Wenger.
If Arsenal are successful in their attempts to land Alexis, these are six players who could join him.
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Click on Juanfran to reveal the six players that could follow Alexis to Arsenal
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Serge Aurier
Serge Aurier has made no secret of his desire to join Arsenal this summer. In fact, the Toulouse right-back was pushing for a move as early as last summer, regularly posting pictures on social media of himself in an Arsenal shirt.
Aurier is currently at the World Cup with the Ivory Coast and has impressed many with his attacking qualities. He set up both of his side’s goals in their 2-1 win over Japan and is living up to the reputation of an extremely promising attacking full-back. Aurier is said to be available for a fee around £7 million, and considering his talent, Arsenal would be wise to make a move for the youngster.
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Sami Khedira
It’s gone quiet on Arsenal’s pursuit of a defensive midfielder this summer. One of the options talked up recently is Sami Khedira, whose expiring contract at Real Madrid means he can be had for around £15 million.
The German missed most of last season but continues to be highly-rated in the national team setup. Khedira’s qualities at both ends of the pitch would make him a good addition at Arsenal. While he’s not the all-powering defensive figure some may want, he would make a very good pair with Aaron Ramsey in the centre of the pitch.
Ezequiel Lavezzi
Ezequiel Lavezzi was long thought to be on his way out of PSG this summer. The Argentine has struggled for regular games in Paris, with the club’s high volume of transfers over the past few years swelling the attacking options in the squad.
Lavezzi is known as a wide player, both for PSG and Napoli, and would add a lot to Arsenal’s attack, namely in his unpredictability. If he’s on the market and available at a good price, he’d be a good option for Arsenal to consider going into next season.
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Seamus Coleman
Seamus Coleman is one of many right-backs said to be on Arsenal’s radar. Due to Coleman’s familiarity with the Premier League and his performances with Everton, he looks the best option to replace Bacary Sagna.
Coleman is very good going forward, finding the net six times last season for Roberto Martinez’s side. Everton will certainly want to keep him this summer, likely leading to them placing a high value on his head that ultimately deters Arsenal. But with the budget available to Wenger, there’s no reason Coleman should be considered out of reach.
Carlos Bacca
Carlos Bacca was surprisingly omitted from Colombia’s starting XI in their first game of this World Cup. Bacca had an outstanding season in La Liga this season, capping his move to Seville with victory in the Europa League.
Bacca only has one season in one of Europe’s top leagues, having arrived at Sevilla from Club Brugge, but he quickly proved to be an excellent striker, and one more than capable of being effective in the Premier League. His combination of pace, strength and aerial ability would make him a good signing for Arsenal, albeit not the superstar name fans are after.
Juanfran
Juanfran failed to make an appearance in either of Spain’s two World Cup matches so far, but with the tournament over for the defending champions, Juanfran may be drafted in to replace Cesar Azpilicueta at right-back against Australia.
The Atletico full-back has been named as one of the players to potentially replace Bacary Sagna this summer, who recently signed for Manchester City. It’s a problem area for Arsenal, with the club only able to look to Carl Jenkinson as a senior option at this time. Juanfran has been an important part of Atletico’s success over the past few seasons and would make a very good replacement for the departed Sagna at the Emirates.