5 potential replacements for Alexis Sanchez at Arsenal

Finding a replacement for star man Alexis Sanchez is not an easy task for the Gunners. For a player of his skills, he was bought for only £35 million back in 2014. However, he is out of contract in the summer and is desperate for a move in the January window itself.

While Arsenal thwarted Manchester City's advances for the Chilean in the summer, it is only a matter of time before he leaves the North London outfit.

Arsene Wenger will have had plenty of time to think about the South American's potential replacement, with any transfer possibly costing the Gunners millions. We count down five possible candidates to take the mantle up at Arsenal after their star man leaves.

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#5 Yannick Carrasco

Yannick Carrasco has had several bust-ups at Atletico Madrid so far

The 24-year-old Belgian winger has played an instrumental role in Atletico Madrid's success in recent years but has been involved in a number of high-profile bust-ups over the course of last year.

Carrasco was reported to have fallen out with teammates Koke and Gabi, as well as fitness coach Oscar Ortega. Diego Simeone is reluctantly ready to call time on the former Monaco forward’s time in Madrid.

Carrasco is now returning to full fitness after a knee injury. His chances of playing at Atletico considering his strained relationship with Simeone though, are limited. He has already scored 3 goals and set up a further 3 in just 12 appearances in La Liga so far. He has the potential to be an astute signing for the Gunners if the deal materializes.

#4 Wilfried Zaha

Wilfried Zaha has shined in a poor Crystal Palace team

Wilfried Zaha is known for his quick runs, pace, strength, dribbling skills and hold-up play. The Ivory Coast International is able to play various roles in attack and, as such, he represents the kind of player Wenger needs because of his versatility.

Since returning to his boyhood club after an inglorious stint at Manchester United, the 25-year-old has been rebuilding a promising career that set him for greater things as a youngster. A move to Arsenal will definitely be a breakthrough for a player of his abilities.

He is a proven talent in the Premier League and his return of 4 goals and 2 assists in the league this season for a struggling Palace side is indicative of the fact that he is ready for the next step in his footballing career.

#3 Thomas Lemar

Thomas Lemar remains a priority for Arsenal

Arsenal tried to sign Thomas Lemar in August last year but a failed €95 million deal on deadline day meant Alexis Sanchez could not join Manchester City. However, Arsenal are sure to return with a bid in January and Lemar would represent a fine replacement for the Chilean.

The winger has already scored 2 goals and assisted another 4 for Monaco in Ligue 1 this season. He looks well equipped to handle the rigors of English football thanks to his physicality. Arsenal face competition from Liverpool and Chelsea over his signature which means that they'll have to act fast to sign the Frenchman.

#2 Lorenzo Insigne

Lorenzo Insigne can light up the Premier League

Lorenzo Insigne has been at Napoli since his teenage years. But only since Maurizio Sarri took over at Napoli in 2015, has the Italian been on fire. During that period, he has scored 42 goals and registered 28 assists, helping Napoli close the gap on champions Juventus. He is in the form of his life right now.

The Azzurri International would slot perfectly into the left-wing berth that Sanchez would vacate in Arsene Wenger’s line-up. He offers similar dynamism, creativity and goal threat as the Chilean superstar.

#1 Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann would be an upgrade on the Chilean

The January transfer window should hold no fear for Atletico Madrid, whose transfer ban is over and who have a proven track record of productively cashing in on prized assets.

Whether being racked with regret for snubbing the advances of Manchester United in the summer or simply suffering an uncharacteristic slump, Antoine Griezmann’s form has fallen badly this term. All available evidence points towards the departure of the Los Rojiblancos starlet.

Arsenal would be an ideal place for the Frenchman to test himself in the Premier League. He will not come cheap but if Arsene Wenger is able to pull this transfer off, it might actually represent an instant upgrade on Alexis Sanchez.