Alexis Sanchez is perfect for Chelsea and Antonio Conte’s project
With Alexis Sanchez stoking the fire surrounding his Arsenal departure, Chelsea would be foolish not to pursue one of the best individual strikers in the game.
Arsenal are once again set for a summer of turmoil. They have been blown out of the title race and face Manchester City in the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Moreover, finishing in the top four will be a struggle. As a result, Alexis Sanchez is exploring his options with an exit on the cards. Chelsea must try to bring him across London.
The striker stoked the fire over the international break, even indicating that a Chelsea move is possible.
"I am happy in London and hope to finish my contract there.I’d like to stay in the city but with a team that is winning things, that has a winning mentality. – via Sky Sports"
More from The Pride of London
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea player ratings: Abysmal, reckless, wasteful
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: 3 Blues talking points
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
Sanchez states that he is happy to see out his Arsenal contract, but more rational onlookers will recognise that as political talk. If the opportunity arises this summer, the Chilean will likely be on his way.
With Diego Costa blowing hot and cold and being non-committal to his Stamford Bridge future, the Blues will need a striker for next season. Champions League football is on a significantly higher level than the Premier League so Chelsea will need to ensure that a world-class goalscorer is in their squad.
At the age of 28, Sanchez has many more years left in him. The forward is by far the best player in Arsenal’s squad with his 64 goals in the last three seasons material proof of his deadly finishing.
Making a move for Sanchez will come at a significant cost, though. Arsenal reportedly value the Chilean at over £50 million and will not do business for anything less. However, this could represent the signing that brings Chelsea back into the upper pantheon of footballing powerhouses.
Even if Costa stays, he needs competition to keep him honest. Antonio Conte’s lack of faith in Michy Batshuayi has essentially given Costa a free run. Sanchez would automatically become first-choice and force Costa to raise his game. This healthy competition is what makes the great teams great.
Sanchez has all but told the Blues to come and get him. Looking around London, Chelsea are the only club amongst the trophies with a winning mentality. Some may argue that Tottenham Hotspur possess the same qualities, but they are not yet established enough to attract a high-profile player like Sanchez.
This appears like Chelsea’s to lose. What do you think? Is there any other striker you would prefer over Alexis Sanchez? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!