5 possible destinations for Alexis Sanchez when he leaves Arsenal

The Alexis Sanchez transfer saga is bound to intensify as the January transfer window approaches. The Chilean has refused to put pen to paper over a new contract, with his current deal expiring in June 2018.

The Gunners are on the brink of losing two of their stars in Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, should they fail to convince them in staying put at the Emirates. The Chilean was closer to an exit last summer when he was subject to a failed transfer deadline day bid from rivals Manchester City.

With Arsene Wenger reluctant on selling the player to his rivals, other top European sides are already hovering above Sanchez. Should the 28-year-old decide on leaving the club, here are five worthy destinations he should think of joining in January.

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#5 Juventus

Will Max Allegri go for Alexis Sanchez?

Juventus are currently in the top three in an exciting Serie A campaign. While Massimiliano Allegri's squad attempts to knock Napoli off top spot, the Bianconeri wouldn't say no to a world-class player like Alexis Sanchez.

Allegri has used the 4-2-3-1 format frequently this season, with the attacking trio of Paulo Dybala, Juan Cuadrado, and Mario Mandzukic. Mandzukic's transformation to a wide midfielder from a striker has been met with praise, with the Croatian putting in top-notch performances in Italy.

Juventus were keen on signing Alexis and, should they land him, Mandzukic's role as a makeshift winger would come to an end.

Allegri would not hesitate in naming Sanchez in the starting XI ahead of the Croatian, given that the Chilean is better at creating chances amongst the two. Alexis has created 33 chances in the league season in contrast to Mandzukic's 13 in Serie A.

For Alexis, it remains to be seen whether he prefers to return to Italy and if the Bianconeri can match his wage demands. However, with clubs that can offer him better packages and guarantees of silverware, it will be tough for the Italians to convince Sanchez to join them.

Nonetheless, Juventus definitely remains a worthy destination for the Chilean.

#4 Manchester City

Will Alexis be reunited with Pep Guardiola?

The question is; do Manchester City really need Alexis Sanchez? The Chilean was left frustrated this summer due to a failed deadline day move to the Etihad.

With the likes of Leroy Sane, Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, and Sergio Aguero in the form of their lives, City can do well even if they don't sign the Chilean. However, should Guardiola sign Alexis, the 28-year-old will provide stiff competition for Raheem Sterling in the squad.

In comparison, both Sterling and Sanchez have notched two assists in the league this season. The Englishman overtakes the Chilean in terms of goals scored, though, having netted 9 times in contrast to his competitor's 4.

Sanchez, however, has proven to be a more creative than Sterling. The Arsenal man has created 31 chances in comparison to the 24-year-old's 16. Alexis may have to fight for a place in the starting XI, but the fight is totally worth it.

Manchester City are on top of the table and they also have high chances of winning the Champions League this season. Should Alexis agree on a move to Etihad, he will be guaranteed silverware this season.

As for Guardiola, he is bound to have a selection headache!

#3: Manchester United

Mkhitaryan and Mata have been off-colour this season

Manchester United have resurfaced as one of the strongest sides this season, thanks to the arrivals of Nemanja Matic and Romelu Lukaku in the summer. However, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Juan Mata haven't exactly been in top form this season.

The former of the two started brilliantly but has disappeared as the season has progressed. In a 4-2-3-1 formation that United have mostly used this season, the left flank has been taken care of by Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, who have intertwined brilliantly with each other.

However, the right flank lacks an in-form midfielder and Alexis could do well by taking up that job. The Chilean can demand the wages he desires and the number 7 shirt will elevate his popularity to a greater level in world football.

However, it remains to be seen if Arsenal agree on losing another star to United after Robin Van Persie. But Alexis will have a crucial part to play at Old Trafford should he join the Red Devils in January.

#2 Bayern Munich

Alexis Sanchez could be the perfect replacement for the aging Arjen Robben

Bayern have been absolute misers when it comes to spending money in the transfer market. Unlike the other heavyweights who boast record signings over £80 million, Corentino Tolisso is Bayern's most expensive player at just £41 million.

As for now, the need to sign a player like Alexis Sanchez has become even greater than before. Arjen Robben is already 33 and thinking of retirement when his contract with Bayern expires at the end of the season. The Bavarians would do well in signing the Chilean to replace him.

Also, Sanchez's arrival would relieve the pressure on Robert Lewandowski. Bayern have played with just one striker this season and Alexis could do well in sharing the goal-scoring responsibilities with the Polish striker at the Allianz Arena.

With Bayern being the ultimate best in the Bundesliga, Sanchez will be guaranteed league titles. Also, the 28-year-old would improve Bayern's chances of winning the Champions League.

#1 Real Madrid

Alexis Sanchez could be the answer to Real Madrid's misfiring attack

Not many expected Real Madrid to fall into a downward spiral in La Liga this season. At present, Alexis Sanchez is the tailor-made solution for solving Real Madrid's problems in the the league. With Gareth Bale injured and the duo of Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo misfiring, goals have become hard to come by for Los Merengues.

It is no secret that Real Madrid will enter the fray in the transfer market with enough ammunition to purchase a star and Alexis has been on the list of their top transfer targets this January.

As for the Chilean, Real Madrid will definitely be hard to turn down should they come knocking at his door. Sanchez's arrival will definitely prove to be an upgrade over the injured Bale.

The Welshman has found hard to get game time this season, thanks to the recurring injuries that have restricted him to the sidelines. With Alexis, Ronaldo, and Benzema as the attacking trio in a 4-3-3 formation, Zidane can trust his squad to overturn their fortunes in the second half of the season.

But, according to recent reports, Ronaldo is against Zidane's views of signing Sanchez and does not see him as the ideal player to solve their problems up front. It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid risk upsetting their star talisman.

Alexis has already played for Barcelona and it will be interesting to see whether he becomes the 33rd player to pull on the two famous shirts in Spain.