Chelsea looking to replace Eden Hazard with Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez
Chelsea are plotting a massive move for the Arsenal star
If Eden Hazard makes up his mind to move to Real Madrid this summer, Chelsea won’t hesitate to make a big money move for a replacement. In fact, the most likely successor for the prolific Belgian is Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez.
The Mirror are reporting that the Blues are interested in Alexis’ services regardless of what happens with Hazard. Antonio Conte is expected to sanction the sale of flop Michy Batshuayi this summer. His departure will leave a vacancy in the Blues’ striking corps.
As you are surely aware, Alexis and Arsenal have gone round and round recently about a new contract. The tension between the two sides culminated this weekend with the Chilean star being dropped from Arsene Wenger’s starting XI. Most believe the relationship between Alexis and the higher-ups at Arsenal has deteriorated to the point that a summer sale is inevitable.
Only a few clubs in the world can afford the type of wage packet Alexis is demanding. It’s rumoured that he’s asking Arsenal to pay him approximately £300 thousand per week. That’s a massive amount of money to spend on one player.
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Fortunately for Chelsea, their owner Roman Abramovich will sanction that sort of expenditure if it leads to glory for his club. Conte already has the squad in position to win a Premier League title, but they’ll need to improve the squad for the demands of Champions League football next season. Adding a star like Alexis to help shoulder Diego Costa’s goal scoring load could be enough to put them in contention to compete on the European stage.
Still, it’s hard to see Chelsea making such a bold move if Hazard stays at Stamford Bridge. Not only would purchasing Alexis require a lot of the club’s financial capital, he also needs a lot of attention to stay happy. Inserting an ego like his in the same dressing room as Costa and Hazard could lead to a very combustible situation.
Next: Alexis Sanchez is ready to leave Arsenal
Arsenal want to hold on to Alexis Sanchez this summer, but Chelsea are going to make that a difficult task. The involvement of the Blues in a race for the Chilean star may spell the end of his time in North London.