Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez exit no longer a scary prospect

Arsenal definitely need to find a resolution to the Alexis Sanchez contract saga, but at this point, any fears should be largely dismissed. For numerous reason.

Arsenal’s summer is going very well from a transfer standpoint, and hopefully it will start to go even better with a successful preseason tour that will ideally see Alexandre Lacazette score something like 20 goals. Give or take.

But it’s no secret that the next big story we are all waiting to have resolved is the numerous contract stragglers that need to either have new deals or have their future somehow clarified. Namely Alexis Sanchez, whose contract saga is keeping every fan in a perpetual state of limbo, unsure of whether to love him for staying or hate him for moving to Manchester City.

At this point, though, I have to believe that the fears surrounding Alexis should be largely evaporated. One of two things is going to happen and the Gunners are amply prepared for both. But for starters, let’s get a few things out of the way.

First of all, his exclusion from the preseason tour was down to his involvement in the Confederations Cup. Just like Shkodran Mustafi. Neither is leaving because they were left off that plane. They needed a break.

Secondly, Arsenal did post a reassuring video of Alexis scoring goals, which is always a nice thing to see. Some took it as a hint that Alexis is going to stay.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

Either way, I stand by what I said. If he stays, that’s friggin’ wonderful. The Chilean is going to see a new Arsenal next season. This 3-4-2-1 formation really did change things for the Gunners and the new additions are only going to make it stronger. Meaning that if he does choose to stay, he may find the home he has been looking for for the past three years.

With a proven goal scorer at the front and Mesut Ozil at his side, Alexis can’t possibly thing that he would fare any better at City, where they have essentially the same thing, as well as a history of heavy rotation. Ask Sergio Aguero, who is struggling to find game time.

But if Alexis leaves, we shouldn’t be hitting the panic button. Arsene Wenger will absolutely bring in a replacement and even if he isn’t a carbon copy of Alexis, there are plenty of other ways to mitigate the damage. Leaning on players like Aaron Ramsey or Lacazette a bit more is an easy way to do that – players that either weren’t here last year or weren’t as prolific as they can be.

Next: Arsenal's 15 Greatest Strikers Of All Time

Alexis will not make or break this club’s fortunes. I would love to see him stay, but I do not fear him leaving anymore.

Home/Arsenal News