Arsenal’s failure to truly challenge for the title has often been attributed to their leaky defence. Last season, however, Arsenal only conceded four more goals than champions Manchester City, with their problem instead being unable to find the opposition’s net, especially in big games. Arsene Wenger’s side regularly lacked a direct attacking threat whenever the in-form Aaron Ramsey was unavailable.
The Daily Star are reporting that Arsene Wenger is in for Chile’s star man Alexis Sanchez, a move that would make sense for the North London club who need a player with the pace, directness and eye for goal he possesses. At the age of 25, he also still has his best years ahead of him. The forward’s performances at Barcelona have often been below par, but he has frequently taken centre stage in international fixtures and is currently having a very solid World Cup. Sanchez will often look to bring the game directly to his opponents, an option Arsenal have lacked with the likes of Ozil and Cazorla, who practice a more patient approach which perhaps cost them at times last season.
The Chilean playmaker, also rumoured to be interesting Manchester United and Liverpool, is being touted at around £25 million, which is a fair price for proven talent in today’s market. There are few alternatives available to Wenger this summer and certainly very few, if any, that can make the same impact as Sanchez. If Wenger is serious about a title challenge next season then he must continue spending and Sanchez must be the first player on his summer shopping list.