Arsenal fans have had an enjoyable summer so far.
The club has broken their transfer record to bring in French striker Alexandre Lacazette and produced the typically shrewd yet effective free signing of left-back Sead Kolasinac from Schalke.
No key players have left the club despite the early rumours of Mesut Özil and Alexis Sanchez potentially departing the club. But while Özil has affirmed his commitment to Arsenal, the Chilean forward is yet to do so, and that is why Arsene Wenger and the Gunners board should be shopping Alexis rather than holding onto him.
The 28-year old Chile international is one of the world’s best and would slot into any starting XI; he has been the key man at the Emirates since his arrival in July 2014. He has been a dedicated soldier for Arsene Wenger and a joy for Gunners fans to watch over the past three seasons. But now he is seemingly holding the team hostage, and he needs to go.
Sanchez is currently valued at £55.25million by transfermarkt, and with the current market inflation his price would likely be a little higher. However, he is in the final season of his contract, and Arsenal holding onto him leaves wide open the possibility of him leaving for nothing next summer.
Now I’m not saying that Arsenal should be offering him to anyone who can pay for him. The club shouldn’t sell to Premier League rivals such as Manchester City or Chelsea but clubs such as Juventus, Bayern Munich, PSG or Barcelona, should Neymar leave, would all be interested in the forward and not hinder the Gunners’ chances of winning Premier League title.
If Arsenal sell Sanchez to a foreign club this summer, they prevent him from potentially joining City or Chelsea next season for absolutely nothing.
Selling him now also gives Arsene Wenger time to find a suitable replacement and a large chunk of money to throw around. Selling the club’s best player isn’t an ideal scenario whatsoever, but it is certainly better than the alternative. If Sanchez isn’t willing to commit his future to Arsenal, the club shouldn’t be fighting tooth and nail to keep him.
At 28-years old, Sanchez’ market value is probably the highest it will ever be. It is incredibly respectable that Arsene Wenger is determined to keep his star player and that is what every fan and manager should want but, if he is unwilling to sign a contract extension, it is best to sell him now than potentially lose him to a direct rival for nothing.