Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez Replacement Could Come From Re-Tread Path

Alexis Sanchez was signed as an unwanted Barcelona. Could Arsenal pursue his replacement by wandering down the same path with Arda Turan?

This summer is very quickly setting up to be a significant one for Arsenal. With Arsene Wenger yet to reveal whether he will stay with the club beyond the expiration of his contract at the end of the season – the reports suggest that he will do so – as well as a number of key players yet to have clarity with regards to their standing within the squad, many long-lasting and influential decisions are yet to be made.

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As such, the club is in a concerning state of flux where few answers are known and doubt is engulfing the fanbase and the squad. It has led to a number of performances in which players have looked increasingly frustrated.

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One man, in particular, who has cut an angry figure in recent weeks is Alexis Sanchez. As such, the expectation is that he will leave this summer, with Arsenal looking to bank what cash they can with his contract set to expire just a year afterwards.

There have been many names that have been linked as a possible replacement for the Chilean international and, although Sanchez is an exceptionally important player who will be difficult to replace, there are options available for Wenger to explore.

One such name to have arisen is Arda Turan. However, his agent was quick to dispel any links with an exit from Barcelona, insisting:

"“There is currently no offer, there is nothing to speak of right now. I have not been contacted by Arsenal. As I said before, he is happy at Barcelona and has three years left on his contract”"

While there is no reason to doubt those comments – it should be said that this is from an agent, who are notoriously unruly people – it is difficult to envisage a scenario in which Turan would not want to leave Barcelona for a club of the calibre of Arsenal.

Despite the Gunners’ recent issues, as long as they qualify for the Champions League next season, the offer of regular playing time at a club that still boasts a reputation across the continent is a tough one for a player who has played less than 2000 minutes of league football in the past two seasons.

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Although Turan is 30 years old, he is still a more than viable options that Arsenal would be wise in exploring. Very much like Sanchez before him, it would be a case of prying away a Barca reserve and hoping that he excels in a starring role. It was an approach that worked well last time. So why not again?