Reports are claiming that Alexis Sanchez could well quit Arsenal for Chelsea on a free transfer, but is that a realistic possibility?
The Chilean international is a huge talking point for the rumour mill this season, most likely second to only Arsene Wenger’s future, with Alexis Sanchez having so far failed to agree an extension to his contract.
The contract saga looks set to continue until the end of the season, and the latest claims are that he could well stay beyond the summer, and leave for free 12 months later.
Our club is known for being stringent with their money, and has admitted that they do not like to enter into battle with some of the big spenders when it comes to chasing a player, but does that mean they would not be willing to allow a big player like Sanchez leave for free?
Arsene Wenger has insisted that the star is happy with the club, while the player himself has said that he is happy being in London, but wants to play alongside players with similar ambition and fight that he does, as he looks to win trophies and challenge on all fronts.
So the theory currently doing the rounds is that his comments about playing in London was his way of hinting at a switch to rivals Chelsea, who currently top the table, and mixing the story of leaving for free at the end of the season, he would immediately join them.
Supposedly Alexis would be willing to stay, and give us one more chance to invest properly in the squad, and build a title challenging campaign, but can the club take that risk?
We know the board are happy to run Arsenal like a business somewhat, but we have also heard reports that Stan Kroenke has asked Arsene Wenger to sign a new contract, with the main objective of overhauling the squad.
Would it be too much of a risk letting Alexis stay without a new contract signed? Would it be worse to allow him to stay when he would be able to decide his own destination in a year’s time?
Pat J