Could Arsenal beat Liverpool to this Barcelona star…
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Alexis Sanchez could be close to a move to Arsenal, according to reports in the Italian media.
The Gazzetta are reporting that the Gunners have edged ahead of both Liverpool and Juventus in the race to sign the Barcelona forward, with club officials having met with the 25-year-old’s agent, following Chile’s 2-0 World Cup defeat to the Netherlands yesterday.
Sanchez’s seemingly certain move away from the Spanish giants this summer, could well be the key to several other transfer deals, including any possible departure of Luis Suarez from Liverpool.
Multiple reports have linked the Chilean with Liverpool, as part of a player plus cash move for the Uruguayan star. But with the Reds reluctant to let their star man leave at any price, the door has been opened for Arsenal to make their move for Sanchez.
Liverpool would still be interested in signing Sanchez in a straight cash deal, but according to the Daily Mirror, the Reds are still intent on agreeing a deal for their prime target, Adam Lallana. Juventus were also interested, but are thought to disagree with Barcelona’s valuation of the player.
Arsenal fans are desperate to see another star player added to their squad, after manager Arsene Wenger declined the opportunity to re-sign Cesc Fabregas, who instead moved to Chelsea.
The Gunners defeated Hull City in last month’s FA Cup final to win their first trophy in nine years, and will be looking to challenge for further honours next season.
If Sanchez was to move to North London, there would possibly be at least one player moving in the opposite direction. Wenger already has the likes of Lukas Podolski, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Santi Cazorla to pick from in the attacking midfield roles, while youngsters Serge Gnabry and Joel Campbell will also be hopeful of forcing their way into contention.
The number one priority for Arsenal will likely be a striker, to act as competition for first choice – Olivier Giroud. The Gunners recently withdrew their interest in re-signing Real Sociedad forward Carlos Vela, with the Spaniards buying out their player’s buy-back clause. Mario Balotelli and Mario Mandzukic have also been heavily linked.
One player that is likely to be leaving Arsenal is Thomas Vermaelen. Manchester United have reportedly submitted a £6 million bid for the Belgian defender, and while the Gunners remain intent on holding out for at least double that figure, the player is believed to be extremely keen on a move to Old Trafford.
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