It really has been the worst kept secret in football for the past 2 years, however, Alexis Sanchez has finally made advanced talks with Manchester United over a January window deal, culminating in the Chilean international netting a hefty £350,000, as well as his club receiving £30m in their back pocket, hardly chump change considering the players contract being up in 6 months time. To get more inside information on this case we had a short chat with Andrew James, Arsenal watcher for FootballPredictions.com, to ask him what the current situation around the upcoming transfer is.
As the daggers surround Arsene Wenger (for the 100th time in his Gunners career), it seems the flailing Frenchman has done good in his efforts to replace his talisman, if indeed the games highest profile journalists are anything to go by.
Bundesliga expert Lee Price has it on good authority that Dortmund and Gabon hotshot Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has agreed personal terms to join the North Londoners.
The 2016 African footballer of the year has enjoyed a prolific 5 years playing in front of the Yellow Wall, netting 25+ goals for each of the last two seasons on the Bundesliga. Still knocking in an impressive 21 (in 23) goals this term as his side sit a disappointing 4 position, 15 points off rivals Bayern at the top of the ladder, it’s believed the striker feel an opportunity like the Premier League is too much to turn down.
Very much adding fuel to the fire is the fact that the former St Etienne forward is angered the Dortmund heriracy. Aubameyang missed a game earlier in the season due to ill-discipline. Indeed its believed the Dortmund talisman was left out of his sides match against Wolfsburg yesterday afternoon for similar reasons.
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG and Manchester City have all hovered around the status of the speedy striker over the past few years, however a huge member of staff like Sanchez of their paybill, Arsenal have licene to persue their man.
Speaking on the players move, Price had this to say:
‘Aubameyang has wanted out of Dortmund for more than a year. They were keen to cash in last summer despite agreeing a new deal.’
‘It was Dortmund’s belief that the Premier League cash would come eventually and it appears they will now get their wish.’
‘The player, meanwhile, rejected a move to China in the belief he would get a move to one of the European big boys.’
‘Arsenal would not have been his first choice but it’s very much a match of convenience. He wants to come to the Premier League and they need to replace Sanchez.’
‘I understand the contract which has been agreed will make him the club’s record earner ever. It’s now up to a fee to be agreed with Arsenal and the Sanchez sale to be wrapped up’ (Quotes via the Express)