Everyone wins (except City) if Chelsea sign Alexis Sanchez in January
By George Perry
Alexis Sanchez is on pace for his least productive season since 2009/10. Chelsea should rescue him from the languid life at Arsenal, both for what he can provide to the Blues and to deny Manchester City another dangerous weapon.
With Alexis Sanchez’s contract expiring at the end of the season, the January transfer window is Arsenal’s last chance to receive compensation for his inevitable departure. There is zero chance he will return to the Emirates, and Chelsea should ensure he does not trade one airline-themed home for another.
Sanchez is scoring one goal every 265 minutes this Premier League season. This is the first time since 2009/10 with Udinese that he requires over 200 minutes between goals.
Sanchez could repair his season and rebuild his momentum with a transfer to Chelsea. He would offer relief to Eden Hazard by partnering Alvaro Morata in a 3-5-1-1, and would join those two in a devastating front-line of a 3-4-3. Sanchez is also an effective creator, averaging approximately 2 key passes per game in his time at Arsenal. This puts him on par with Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas in the Antonio Conte era.
Unlike other transfer targets linked to Chelsea, Alexis Sanchez is not cup-tied for the Champions League. The Blues would have him for the two major competitions, courtesy of Arsenal’s adventures in the Europa League.
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Manchester City may also make an offer for Sanchez next month. If they are unsuccessful in January, they will almost certainly make him an obscene offer in July. If you think City are unstoppable now, you should be terrified to think of Sanchez joining Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane. The Citizens could be up to a 45-game unbeaten streak by early next season, and that is only slightly hyperbolic fear-mongering.
Aside from finances and credentials, Chelsea and Manchester City share another attribute that will be crucial for Alexis Sanchez: a motivating coach who can bring the best out of an under-used asset. Sanchez has 12 starts and 14 appearances for Arsenal this season. He is receiving plenty of playing time, but his talents are not going to their best purpose. Neither Arsene Wenger, his teammates nor the culture at Arsenal bring players like Sanchez to life.
At Chelsea, Sanchez would be a in a similar position to Alvaro Morata. Morata’s career was sputtering in second gear at Real Madrid, even as he collected a trailer of trophies. But he did not have the role and the opportunities to contribute and compete that he wanted. Antonio Conte pulled him out of that situation, made him a starter and centre-piece and now Morata is returning the favour.
Sanchez would have the opportunity to play for a club and coach for whom winning is the ultimate ideal. Chelsea would give him the chance to lift a trophy other than the FA Cup and Community Shield. At the very least, he would know what it is like to strive to be within reach of a Premier League or Champions League title, rather than satisfying himself with qualification.
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Manchester City offers much the same package, and may have the advantage of better managerial stability. Chelsea should lock down Antonio Conte, along with Eden Hazard and even Thibaut Courtois in January. That trio will give them an attractive platform for new transfers, and for more years of success. Alexis Sanchez will be forever grateful for that lifeline, and the Blues will be relieved they will not have to face him again.