Chris Sutton has claimed that Alexis Sanchez simply has to play for Arsenal after the saga which saw him stay on deadline day.
Manchester City had agreed a fee with the Gunners on deadline day, believed to be in the region of £60-70 Million, only for Arsenal to fail to persuade replacement Thomas Lemar to come in his place. No replacement meant that the North London side would unwilling to part ways with their star.
The saga left a bitter taste in the mouths of the Citizens, but the Chilean seems to be trying to be professional and get on with the campaign, which is great news for our season, although we still have to expect to see him leave for free next summer.
The drama of deadline has lead to Chris Sutton to believe that the Arsenal boss simply has to play the contract-rebel this term, and he was shocked to see him left out of last weekend’s crunch match with Chelsea.
“I was surprised that Alexis Sanchez was left out by Arsene Wenger against Chelsea last week,” Sutton was quoted.
“After all Arsenal’s stubbornness in refusing to sell the striker, why not use him?
“But I don’t think Wenger was trying to say there’s no player bigger than the club by benching the Chilean.
“The manager maybe felt Sanchez wasn’t up to speed. Still, I can’t see him being left out against West Brom on Monday night, particularly with Danny Welbeck out.
“If Arsenal want that X-factor in the final third then Sanchez is their man.”
The former Chelsea striker went onto reveal an admiration for Wenger’s stance on Alexis, turning down a large chunk of money despite the impending free transfer which looks ever-likely to follow.
“Wenger wants him there and I admire his stance in keeping him,” added Sutton.
“After all, how would you replace Sanchez?
“Having £70m is good but not as good as having Sanchez.”
Would Lemar have been a worthy replacement for the Chilean? Could we have beaten Chelsea had we started Alexis? Is he a shoo-in to start tonight?
Pat J