Alexis Sanchez looks like he’s ready to leave Arsenal in the summer. His body language strongly suggests it and there are plenty of clubs lining up to poach him away from the North London giants. Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Real Madrid are all interested parties and they’ll do well to move swiftly to sign him on.
Arsenal, meanwhile, would typically already have started searching for replacements. With the kind of money they’ll receive from the Chilean’s sale, coupled with the money they earn from TV rights and other means, implies they’ll have a sizeable transfer kitty they can use to rope in top quality players.
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Also read: Transfer Rumour: Alexis Sanchez set to quit after dressing room bust up following Bayern Munich defeat
There are a host of young stars already within the club, who could make the step up from the youth to the first-team before the start of the new season, but the club are likely to move for someone who can come in and replace the Chilean in desire, goals and ruthlessness.
Here’s looking at five left-wingers the club can look to in the summer:
#5 Antoine Griezmann
The only reason Antoine Griezmann is on this list is because there seems to be legitimate interest from the Gunners. This arises from two possibilities – the money the club have and the fact that they could appoint Diego Simeone as Arsene Wenger’s replacement come the end of the current season.
Griezmann has spoken about how he doesn’t necessarily see himself coming to the Premier League in the future, but should his Argentine manager come across the sea, there’s a high chance he could too.
Manchester United might have the money – and Paul Pogba – but the chance to work with someone who has elevated you to Ballon d’Or level would work wonders in Arsenal’s favour.
The Frenchman will not come cheap and could be a part of a player+cash swap including the ambitious Chilian.
Possibility: 1/5
#4 James Rodriguez
A wild possibility for Arsenal is to prise away Colombian star James Rodriguez from Real Madrid. Under Zinedine Zidane, the 25-year-old has failed to seal a starting spot and despite his efforts of comforting club fans by insisting his future is at the Bernabeu, there are indications that he could look for a move should the right project come along.
Arsenal, with or without Arsene Wenger, could be a decent prospect next season. They have a solid new spine with Lucas Perez, Mesut Ozil (new-ish), Granit Xhaka and Shkodran Mustafi. Should James switch the Bernabeu for the Emirates, he’ll be a part of a squad capable of mixing it with the very best.
Perhaps one more reason he could join the Gunners – albeit one that normally wouldn’t decide transfer moves – is the chance to play with family. David Ospina of Arsenal is James Rodriguez’s brother-in-law and he has the right kind of company to comfortably settle into the club.
Possibility: 2/5
#3 Thomas Lemar
21-year-old Monaco star Thomas Lemar could very well be on his way out of the club. There are multiple rumours floating around that he’s had a falling out with his manager and is looking for a way out of the Principality.
Arsenal could prove to be a dream destination for him, and he wouldn’t cost a lot given the club will risk losing more money should they keep him on. Lemar is a dribbler and an out-and-out wide man. He loves hugging the touchline thereby providing width while attacking.
His pace and quick feet allow him to cut in, beat defenders and score past the keeper. With 10 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season, Lemar is enjoying his football and with the kind of talented midfield Arsenal have, he’ll be able to thoroughly express himself even at a new, tough league.
Possibility: 3/5
#2 Douglas Costa
in many ways, Douglas Costa would be a massive signing for Arsenal. He’s ridiculously quick, he loves toying with defenders and boy can he score goals. The best part for the Gunners is that he wants to leave Bayern Munich.
He’s openly asked the club to look at the offers they’re getting for him. Under Pep Guardiola, he was a phenomenon but under Carlo Ancelotti, things don’t seem to be going his way. With him wanting out and only two years left on his contract, Arsenal can really force Munich’s hand.
Costa is 26 and is now entering the prime of his career. This would be an Alexis Sanchez-esque coup for the Gunners if it does happen.
Possibility: 3/5
#1 Marco Reus
Marco Reus is a perpetual Arsenal target – along with Salomon Kalou and Julian Draxler – and could finally make the move in the summer. Reus is 27, only beginning to show his true potential and could help the North Londoners with his pace, panache and performances.
Reus has been suffering from injuries of late, but he finally looks like he’s past that stage. With only two years left on his contract, Arsenal will do well to bid a reasonable amount. Borussia Dortmund are an excellent footballing side but Arsenal are in the richest and the most competitive football league in the world. The promise of regular UEFA Champions League football is the icing on the cake.
The 27-year-old has praised Jack Wilshere, former Arsenal star Tomas Rosicky and Arsene Wenger in the past. He’s a clear fan of the Gunners and the fans will love him should he make the move. He’s also incredible with the ball at his feet and scores incredible goals on a fairly regular basis – seems apt that he’s seen by many as the ideal replacement for Sanchez.
Possibility: 4/5
