Arsenal

It appears that Alexis Sanchez is attempting to ‘do an Ashley Cole’ and switch the red of Arsenal for the blue of Chelsea this summer. It’s probably football’s worst kept secret that Sanchez wants to leave Arsenal and with the Gunners’ chances of qualifying for the Champions League, coupled with the fact that the Chilean has only 12 months left on his contract, it is no surprise to see his future lies away from Arsenal.

Only a select pool of clubs could realistically afford Sanchez, with the usual suspect of PSG and Juventus reportedly sniffing around the prolific goal scorer. However, today’s revelation that Sanchez is the top target for Chelsea will certainly worry Arsenal fans. The Premier League Champions-elect look set for a big summer with Diego Costa potentially off to China and Romelu Lukaku or Alvaro Morata set to replace him. Adding Sanchez to the mix would give the Blues a lethal looking front three of Sanchez, Lukaku and Hazard, not to mention Willian and Pedro on the bench, that surely is one of the most dangerous attacks in Europe.

Speaking of Hazard it seems Real Madrid are rather keen to bring him to the Spanish capital. While Sanchez would certainly be a ready-made replacement for the Belgian. Personally, I just cannot see this one happening, Hazard plays in the same position as Ronaldo, so it would be difficult for him to get into the team without a change in formation, plus he seems very happy at Chelsea. The aforementioned Alvaro Morata returned to Real Madrid this summer and has been limited to a substitute role. Hazard would not want to suffer the same fate.

As for Arsenal losing Alexis Sanchez would be a killer blow for them. Ozil’s future is hanging in the balance as well, with his deal 12 months from expiring. Losing Ozil would be yet another setback for Arsenal whose manager situation has yet to be sorted. With Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United all outlining ambitious summer plans Arsenal are sort of like your friend scrambling for a job in Greggs over the summer while you all go travelling across Europe. Questionable analogies aside Arsenal need to get their act together.