Arsenal: Lorenzo Insigne The Perfect Alexis Sanchez Complement, Not Replacement

Lorenzo Insigne is being linked with a move to Arsenal. The Napoli forward would be the perfect complement for Alexis Sanchez, not a replacement.

The prevalent narrative throughout this season has centred on the futures of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. Both have enjoyed prosperous Arsenal careers thus far but both have repeatedly delayed contract talks with the club, leading to the rather precarious situation in which their prospects likely see them away from North London.

Related Story: 30 Greatest Transfers In Past 30 Years

Arsene Wenger’s own uncertainty has cast a rather troubling shadow over the contract negotiations, and after a recent poor run of form that saw the Gunners’ Premier League and Champions League hopes to falter, there are growing reports suggesting that both may depart.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

Sanchez, in particular, has been rumoured to be wanting to leave the club, with the Chilean visibly frustrated with his teammates’ lack of fight and desire in numerous games, most notably, in the 5-1 dismantling at the hands of Bayern Munich less than a week ago. As such, thoughts have turned to the summer regarding the actions that may have to be undertaken if Sanchez does indeed depart.

Since making the positional switch into a central role, rather than continuing as a wide man, he has only established himself as an even more crucial member of the starting XI. He is the Premier League’s leading scorer and has been at the centre of everything productive from Arsenal’s attacking play this season. Losing him would be a major blow.

Given his entrenched role in the side, Arsenal cannot simply sign any vaguely talented attacker. They need a special player, capable of leading, not simply assisting, a title challenge. There have been many names linked with a possible move to the Emirates. The latest is Napoli attacker Lorenzo Insigne and there is reason to be excited.

The Italian winger plays in a similar style to Sanchez. He is electrically sharp, boasts excellent balance and is capable of twisting and turning his way into space. This season, he has scored nine goals for Napoli, assisting a further six.

Next: Arsenal Vs Sutton: 5 Things We Learned

Insigne is undoubtedly a talented player and, at only 25, still has his best years ahead of him. Nonetheless, his inconsistency and unpredictability limits his continued threat. He suffers games where he goes very quiet, almost anonymous. He is, then, the perfect complement to Sanchez as a sharp, fast-paced attacker. If he is signed as a replacement, though, Arsenal will only end up being disappointed.