Alexis 2.0: Arsenal set to make bid for ‘one of the best in the world

The name Alexis Sanchez brings mixed feelings for Arsenal fans. For some, he’s remembered as one of the club’s most dynamic and influential players in the modern era, a shining light during some of the club’s leanest years. For others, his departure from the Emirates left a bitter taste in their mouths, particularly with the manner in which he left for a rival club in Manchester United.During his time at Arsenal, Sanchez’s stats were undeniably impressive. Over the course of 166 appearances, he managed 80 goals and provided 44 assists. His explosive style of play, combined with his work ethic, made him a fan favourite. From his tireless pressing to his ability to score from almost any position, he was a player who could turn a game on its head.However, as is often the case in football, the player’s relationship with the club was not without controversy. Despite his individual brilliance, the team’s overall success during his tenure was inconsistent. Fans could see that while Sanchez was a key player for the team, Arsenal’s failure to win major trophies, especially during his peak years, created frustration. Ultimately, Sanchez’s time at Arsenal came to a dramatic end when he moved to Manchester United in January 2018. His departure was marred by a sense of disappointment from the supporters, who felt betrayed. His switch to Old Trafford, where he exchanged Arsenal’s red for United’s, felt like another in a long line of departures that hurt Arsenal’s competitive standing. The fact that his move came amidst rumours of money being a driving factor only deepened the sense of betrayal.The transition to Manchester United, however, did not go as planned for Sanchez. He had hoped for a new challenge and greater success at one of England’s biggest clubs, but the reality was far from the expectation. He struggled for form, had difficulties with injuries, and found it hard to fit into United’s playing style under both Jose Mourinho and later Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Over two and a half years at the club, Sanchez managed only five goals in 45 appearances – a far cry from the player who had once been one of the Premier League’s most feared attackers.In a candid interview, Sanchez opened up about his regrets following the move. Reflecting on his first training session at Manchester United, he admitted that it didn’t feel right. “After the first training session I had, I realised a lot of things. I got home and told my family and agent, ‘Can you not rip up the contract to go back to Arsenal?’” he shared. This statement was a rare glimpse into his state of mind at the time. It showed that, despite the seemingly glamorous move, Sanchez never felt truly settled at United.Sanchez’s time at United ended with him moving on loan to Inter Milan in 2019, where he found more stability and form under manager Antonio Conte. His performances for the Italian giants, albeit still not at the level he had shown at Arsenal, were more consistent. In Serie A, he played a pivotal role in helping the club win the league title in 2021, something he had not managed during his time in England.Now, as Alexis Sanchez’s contract with Inter Milan draws to a close, speculation about his future is rife. Arsenal, where his star once shone brightest, is reportedly interested in bringing him back. Given the club’s rise under Mikel Arteta, and the desire to bolster the squad with experienced players, the prospect of a second stint for Sanchez has been met with mixed reactions from the fanbase.On one hand, there are those who believe that Sanchez’s fiery passion and experience could be just what the team needs to compete at the highest level again. With Arsenal’s young core showing promise, an experienced player like Sanchez could be a valuable asset, providing leadership and creativity in the final third. Furthermore, his hunger to prove himself after a turbulent few years could drive him to perform at his best once again.On the other hand, there are fans who remain sceptical about a potential return. Given his previous exit, some worry that bringing him back could open old wounds. There are concerns about his age and whether he still possesses the same explosive ability that made him such a potent threat during his first stint in North London. Additionally, with Arsenal’s current attacking setup functioning well without him, there are questions as to where Sanchez would fit into the team.Despite these mixed feelings, there’s no doubt that Alexis Sanchez remains one of the most talented players in world football. His ability to turn games on their head, to score goals out of nowhere, and to perform in big moments, has not been diminished by his struggles at Manchester United. His spell at Inter Milan has shown that, given the right environment, he is still capable of producing at the highest level.If Arsenal were to bring Sanchez back, it would be a statement of intent. It would show that they are serious about adding more depth and experience to their squad, particularly as they look to challenge for the Premier League and in European competition. The team has grown significantly in recent years, and adding a player like Sanchez could give them the extra edge needed to compete with the very best.At the same time, the question remains whether Arsenal’s current squad dynamic would allow for Sanchez to make the kind of impact he made during his first spell at the club. Much has changed since his departure, and Arsenal is now a more cohesive and well-organized team. Mikel Arteta has worked hard to create a team based on discipline and unity, so it remains to be seen how Sanchez’s fiery personality would fit into that framework.Moreover, the financial aspect of the deal would also come into play. Sanchez would be 36 by the time his contract at Inter expires, and it’s likely that any potential deal would need to be structured around his age and wage demands. While he would be available on a free transfer, his salary expectations could still be high, especially given the lucrative contract he had at Manchester United.For now, Arsenal fans can only watch and wait to see if a bid materializes for the Chilean forward. The idea of Alexis Sanchez returning to the Emirates is one that stirs up a lot of emotions. Whether or not it will be a wise move for all parties involved remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: Sanchez’s legacy at Arsenal is one that cannot be easily forgotten.