Alexis Sanchez keeps Chelsea’s hopes alive for a new signing up front
By George Perry
Alexis Sanchez wants to play in the Champions League and has made his decision on his future. That sounds quite similar to what Romelu Lukaku said.
Alexis Sanchez has been on international duty for much of the transfer window, keeping him a bit out of sight, out of mind. Chelsea’s transfer rumours in these post-Romelu Lukaku days continued to revolve around Alvaro Morata and Andrea Belotti. However, Sanchez could be very much in the mix as he continues to look for a move away from Arsenal.
Sanchez is less than enthused at the prospect of spending the second-last year of his contract at an Arsenal that will not be in the Champions League. His “dream” continues to be “playing in the Champions League and to win it.” He will have to wait at least one more year for the first part of that dream.
For the more ambitious element, well, Sanchez has already made up his mind. Sanchez said he is now waiting for Arsenal to respond to his decision.
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The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal offered Alexis Sanchez a new contract for lower wages than he wants, but with a 20% bonus if the Gunners qualify for the Champions League at the end of next season. Sanchez is likely demanding the higher wages as recompense for further delaying his Champions League dream. Arsenal needs the hefty qualification bonus to keep Sanchez motivated this season, keeping his professional and financial fortunes deeply tied to the club’s.
Even if Arsenal return to the Champions League after this season they will be no more likely to win the competition than they were for the last 20 years. Sanchez will not extend at Arsenal under any conceivable circumstance. The club are trying desperately to retain him for the remaining two years on his contract. However, all that does is set him up to leave on a free transfer in 2019.
Chelsea should go in for Alexis Sanchez, as long as they can do so without losing focus on the rest of their transfer plans. Morata and Belotti are no closer to wearing Blue. Chelsea have no top-flight striker, and Eden Hazard is out for the first few games recovering from a broken ankle. And it should not be hard to convince Arsenal that something for Sanchez now is better than nothing for him later.
Sanchez can fill in better for Hazard than any other player on the market. Once Hazard returns Sanchez can play as his opposite number, creating new options and new competition for Pedro and Willian. His ability to score and create goals can compensate for what could be a prolonged lack of an experienced, Chelsea-calibre striker.
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The first pre-season friendly should not be the source of much insight. However, Chelsea’s options and rotations up front against Fulham on Saturday did not quite inspire confidence. The prospect of Jeremie Boga on the flank outside Loic Remy should impel Chelsea to bid for Alexis Sanchez and not get caught up on a matter of a few million pounds.