In a surprise rumour emerging out of South America (pinch of salt time…), is that Villa are monitoring the availability to Chilean international Alexis Sanchez. Of course, he’s not to be confused with Villa’s former underwhelming Colombian midfielder Carlos “The Rock (lol)” Sanchez.
ALEXIS SANCHEZ
Embed from Getty ImagesWhilst it might feel that Sanchez has been around forever after stints at Barcelona, Arsenal, Man Utd and more recently Inter, the striker is still just 33 years old. Might he have one final season in him to help Villa kick on after finishing a disappointing 14th?
Sanchez, who seasoned supporters will painfully recall for the worldie he scored at Wembley against Villa in 2015 for The Gunners, has just a year left on his current deal in Serie A.
It’s understood that Inter are looking to move the striker on, with Villa reportedly prepared to match his current wage demands. Sanchez currently earns somewhere in the region of €7m per annum in Italy, down from a whopping £570k a week whilst he was at Old Trafford.
Whilst now in the twilight of his career, his pedigree cannot be sniffed at in either the Premier League or La Liga. Whilst his time at United reflected the Manchester clubs broader malaise, his Arsenal career was far more impressive, contributing almost a goal a game, and an assist 1 in 3.
His last season at Inter has been mostly from the bench, and perhaps could serve to drive a move as the experienced attacker looks for valuable game time before his career wraps up. Villa will face competition for his signature though, with Marseille and Atletico keen, and former clubs Arsenal and Barca also open to a return.
There is little doubt that this is a tenuous link at present, but given that Sanchez is 2 years younger than the repeatedly linked Luis Suarez, could serve to turn Villa’s head. Gerrard will be looking for reliable, proven firepower after the last campaign meekly petered out, with the clubs attack of Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings frequently misfiring.
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