Arsenal and Alexis Sanchez: Only one, unrealistic way

Alexis Sanchez is being linked with an exit from Manchester United. There is only one, unrealistic way that I would take him back at Arsenal.

Alexis Sanchez is not having a happy time at Manchester United. Ever since he departed north London almost a year ago, he has looked like a different player. I was speaking to a friend about the situation and he compared it to Fernando Torres at Chelsea. At this point, it is a very fair connection to make.

Catch the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal podcast right here

However, while much of the media attention has centred on the apparent disgruntlement of and lack of production from Sanchez, Arsenal, in the Chilean’s absence, have not exactly been plain sailing either.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 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
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been poor in Sanchez’s stead and has now dropped below Alex Iwobi in the pecking order, the wide options are uninspiring, with Unai Emery currently playing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a centre-forward, on the left wing, and the absence of a pure dribbler with the ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations has really hurt this team.

And so, naturally, given the circumstances, rumours are beginning to circulate that Sanchez could return to the Emirates in January. It makes sense that the tabloids would whip up such a suggestion. Sanchez is noticeably unsettled at Old Trafford. Arsenal need help at his exact position and he has proven himself capable at the club previously. There are reasons as to why this deal does make sense. But they do not really extend beyond a player wanting to leave and the club’s need to buy.

Arsenal cannot afford Sanchez, not by transfer fee or — more pertinently — not by wages. United have little reason to sell to a direct rival. He still has plenty of time remaining on his contract and they can probably get a better deal in the summer from a richer, foreign club. And given his form for the past year, there is an argument to be made that he would not actually help the Gunners in the here and now.

As such, I do not really want Sanchez back at the Emirates. Irrespective of whether I think it is going to happen or not, I’m not sure I even want it to happen. In fact, there is only one method in which I think it makes sense: a six-month loan in which United shoulder a portion of the wages.

Sanchez is not a long-term solution to Arsenal’s winger problems, but he would provide a decent stop-gap for a short period. His astronomical wages would be substantially eased with United paying a share. And it would relieve Jose Mourinho of an unhappy player who he may no longer want around. This is the only way that I would even want it to happen, not that it is in any way realistic.

Put simply, this just is not going to happen. And that might not be the worst thing in the world.