Arsenal: Richarlison offers intriguing alternative to Alexis Sanchez norm

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing up a move for Watford’s Richarlison as a potential Alexis Sanchez replacement. In contrast to the usual names, he is an intriguing option.

It seems fairly certain that Alexis Sanchez will leave North London this year. Whether it be in the winter window, as Arsenal look to reap some last scraps of value for a player that has been their attacking foundation and instigation for many years, or in the summer, once his contract expires and he has free reign of where to go, there is an air of inevitability. It is a question of when, not if.

Speaking after the North London triumph, which was largely built upon the talents and the threat of Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, another who is lumbering towards a sad end to this laborious saga, Arsene Wenger seemed resigned to the fate. He lacked the same vigour and boldness of his bullish statements in the summer. Constraints were added. Clauses implemented. It seemed as if he was setting the fans, and himself, up for the impending loss.

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Such is the importance and influence of Alexis, that if he were to leave, as is increasingly anticipated, then Arsenal would have to find a suitably qualified replacement. That is not easy. He is a player of special ability. They do not quite grow off trees.

But that is nonetheless the task that awaits Wenger and his scouts: Finding a player who can replace Sanchez. And amid the many, many names that do the rounds through the rumour mill as it churns away, spouting out a different name every week, there is one that is particularly intriguing. It is a little different to the others. Not quite the mainstream name that has become the expectation.

Since he was signed in the summer, Richarlison, of Watford, playing in a free-roaming wide attacking role in the 3-5-2 formation that Marco Silva employs, the young Brazilian has settled into life in England wonderfully. Quick, strong, and combative, he does not shy away from the physical challenge that Premier League football offers. He, in fact, embraces it.

At only 20 years of age — he does not turn 21 until next May –, the Watford winger has scored five goals and recorded four assists in 12 Premier League games. In fact, in his last seven Premier League games, he has a direct hand in seven goals, with four goals and three assists. Watford, in fact, have only scored seven goals all season in which Richarlison was not either the direct provider or the finisher. A direct hand in 63.2% of your team’s goals is rather impressive.

He offers Arsenal an extremely intriguing option to replace Alexis with. He is not the usual name that circles through the media. He is not a Julian Draxler, Nabil Fekir, Riyad Mahrez. He is young, he is unproven, he is raw. But he is also wonderfully gifted with an ever-increasing experience, and flourishing, in the Premier League.

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He may not be the usual name. He may be a little bit of curveball. But taking a chance on him could be the best thing that Arsenal do this season.

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