Arsenal: Julian Draxler one of the only reasons to sell Alexis Sanchez

Arsenal are reportedly interested in swapping Alexis Sanchez with Julian Draxler. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is one of the only reasons why selling the Chilean would be a good thing.

When Arsenal decided to keep Alexis Sanchez, with full knowledge that his contract was expiring in the summer of 2018, they opened themselves up to the probability that he will leave at the end of the year without any compensation whatsoever. That much was obvious. But now, if some reports are to be believed, they are beginning to doubt, or at least amend, their initial decision.

Related Story: Arsenal: 30 greatest players in history

There are suggestions that the Gunners are open to the possibility to selling Sanchez in the January transfer window in a last-ditch attempt to try and eek out the last bit of value that he possesses — there is a severe limit to what they will be able to barter for, given that any potential buyer can sign him without a transfer fee at the end of the season.

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

One of the reports has claimed that Arsenal are exploring the avenue of a swap deal with Paris Saint-Germain for unneeded attacking midfielder Julian Draxler. It is an unlikely prospect. Swap deals are notoriously difficult to complete because of the number of moving cogs that must all fit with one another for all parties to agree.

Nonetheless, it is perhaps one that Arsene Wenger should be willing to explore. Wenger is a famed fan of Draxler, having chased him in several times in the past, and is a public admirer of his abilities. Moreover, Draxler offers an opportunity that only a handful of other players in the world can: He is a viable replacement for Sanchez.

If there is a feeling that Sanchez should be sold in January for whatever value is possible, such is the dependence on him, that it is a necessity to be able to find and acquire a player capable of filling the hole that the Chilean would leave behind. He scored 24 goals and assisted a further 10 in the Premier League last season; that is a substantial output to replicate.

Clubs are notoriously hesitant to sell in the winter as replacements are difficult to find. If Arsenal want to sell Sanchez, then there are only a limited number of players that could be available and have the talent to replicate the attacking production that would be lost.

Draxler, though, is one of those players. And he could well be available. With PSG signing, sensationally, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in the summer, as well as already having the likes of Edinson Cavani and Angel di Maria in the offing, Draxler’s playing time has been significantly reduced.

Next: Arsenal: Predicted FIFA 18 player ratings

If he could be convinced to make the North London switch, then Arsenal would be able to replace much of the production and potency that Alexis offers, while also recouping at least some of his value. There are not many options where that would be possible; Draxler, though, is one of them, and that makes him a very intriguing prospect indeed.