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English Premier League: Is there life for Arsenal after Alexis Sanchez?

By Collins Pasi

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on October 1, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on October 1, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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A debate that has haunted Arsenal is the ongoing exit talks surrounding their star player, Alexis Sanchez.

According to Express, Alexis Sanchez is set to depart the Emirates at the end of the season. There is absolutely no chance that the Chilean will extend his stay at Arsenal.

Since signing from Barcelona in 2014, Sanchez has stood out at Arsenal for the last three seasons. Last season, he bagged 24 goals and 10 assists in the English Premier League.

Before the season got underway, Alexandre Lacazette was signed from Lyon in the summer and was not brought in to replace Sanchez.

According to Talksport, a £60m move for Sanchez to Manchester City fell through at the last-minute. The sole reason was that Arsenal did not have adequate time to seek and sign a worthy replacement.

Sanchez possesses the quality to walk into any top European side. His all-action style of play has made him a top asset for Arsenal. His ability to dribble, an eye for goal and pressing opposition defenders have earned Arsenal results.

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Possible replacements:

Arsenal will have a difficult task finding a replacement with the ability to match that of Sanchez.

Thomas Lemar was continually linked to Arsenal throughout the summer transfer window. This move did not materialize. This had the domino effect of scuppering Alexis Sanchez to Manchester City.

Lemar was instrumental in Monaco’s Ligue 1 title triumph. He scored 14 goals and set up another 10 in all competitions for Monaco. Arsenal is a team that plays creative free-flowing football.

Thomas Lemar would thrive in this setting and serve as an able replacement for Alexis Sanchez. An attack consisting of Thomas Lemar, Alexander Lacazette, and Mesut Ozil, if he stays, would be interesting to watch.

Pep Guardiola on why Sanchez to Manchester City fell through:

Julian Draxler and Timo Werner are two players who should also make the Sanchez replacement shortlist. Draxler has moved down the pecking order at PSG after the arrival of Mbappe and Neymar.

Draxler is a technically gifted player who would aid Arsenal’s course. His performance at the Confederations Cup for Germany reminded the football world what he is made of.

Draxler’s compatriot, Timo Werner would be a cheaper option for Arsenal. The 21-year-old scored 21 goals and had 5 assists, helping RB Leipzig to a second place finish in the Bundesliga last season.

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The Bundesliga’s only seven games old but Timo Werner has already notched 5 goals in six appearances. Timo Werner is good on the ball, has good pace and an impressive finishing ability.

Next: Real Madrid want Harry Kane

If Alexis Sanchez does leave Arsenal, it will not be all doom and gloom if one of these three players was brought in.

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