Arsenal: £40 million nothing more than expected for Alexis Sanchez insurance

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly demanding £40 million for Julian Draxler. Given the quality of Alexis Sanchez, such a figure should not put Arsenal off.

The future of Alexis Sanchez is very much up in the air: the Chilean’s contract expires at the end of the year, he very nearly departed last summer with Manchester City lurking after his services, and there have been growing reports that he may exit as soon as this January transfer window with Arsenal looking to recoup the last scraps of value possible.

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It is clear that if and, perhaps more accurately, when he leaves, Arsene Wenger will have to invest in a suitable replacement. Even in what is considered a poor season, up until this point, for Sanchez, he has still managed to score five goals and assist three in 14 Premier League games.

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Sanchez, throughout his four years in North London, has proven himself essential to the fate of the team. He may lose possession easily, his passing and distribution may be a little inconsistent, and he may be frustrating to watch as much of what he attempts falls flat. But he makes things happen, he creates chances, he scores goals. He is an instigator that without Arsenal would be far worse off.

His importance and influence are why many, myself included, have suggested that Arsenal need to keep hold of him until the summer when it would be easier to find and acquire a suitable replacement. However, if it were possible to sign that replacement in January, then perhaps selling is a far wiser avenue to explore.

And one of the possible options has just seen a £40 million price tag slapped on his head, if recent reports are to be believed. Paris Saint-Germain, who astonishingly signed Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in the summer to usurp him, are allegedly willing to sell winger Julian Draxler in January for the right price.

That price is £40 million. Even in today’s market, that perhaps seems a little steep. But that is what must be paid if they are wanting to sign a player with similar capabilities to that of Sanchez.

In the summer, for example, when it was looking as though Sanchez might have been departing, the Gunners were reportedly entering into talks regarding a £90 million Thomas Lemar move. In comparison, £40 million sounds rather cheap.

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I am not especially confident in Wenger and the club’s willingness to spend the type of money that is necessary to deal with the hole that Sanchez will leave behind him. Draxler would go a long way to filling it. But don’t hold your breath on a bid coming. I won’t be.