Arsenal Transfer News: Alexis Sanchez Targeted by Bayern, Latest Rumours

Bayern Munich have put Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez at the top of their list of summer transfer targets, according to reports.

A story from AS in Chile (h/t James Benge of the London Evening Standard) said the German giants have made the Gunners forward their priority purchase, with Carlo Ancelotti set to take over from Pep Guardiola at the Allianz Arena. It’s suggested the Bavarians would be ready to part with £32 million to land the Chile international.

It’d be a big surprise if Arsenal were willing to move on a footballer who is so important to their attacking play. As these figures from OptaJoe show, Sanchez has been in fine form lately:

The 27-year-old’s influence on games surpasses his numbers in terms of goals and assists, though. Sanchez sets the tempo for Arsenal, whether it’s tracking the opposing full-back, hurtling after lost causes into the channels or pressing the other side's players into mistakes. He’s a player who would be extremely difficult to replace.

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The prospect of him leaving, therefore, seems unlikely. However, there will be some concerns from Arsenal supporters given Sanchez has yet to sign a new contract with the club. AS in Chile (h/t Liam Corless of the Daily Mirror) have also reported Paris Saint-Germain will look to capitalise on this situation, eyeing Sanchez as a potential replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the summer.  

Sanchez still has until 2018 to run on his current deal, though, meaning there’s no great rush for him to agree to new terms. As such, you suspect it’d take a lot more than a £32 million offer for Arsenal to consider selling a player who's had such a positive effect on this outfit.

Inter Milan May Cash In on Marcelo Brozovic

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Arsenal’s chances of landing Inter Milan man Marcelo Brozovic have reportedly been handed a significant boost, with reports suggesting the Serie A side may have to sell up to alleviate debt.

According to Tuttosport (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), the club have around £20 million to service, which prompts speculation about the futures of Mauro Icardi, Miranda and Ivan Perisic. It’s stated that with the Nerazzurri unlikely to qualify for the Champions League, Brozovic could head to the Emirates Stadium in a £20 million deal.

Brozovic is on an 18-month loan deal with Inter from Dinamo Zagreb, although there is a condition in the agreement that states the Italian club can purchase him outright this summer. Here’s a look at some of his finest moments since joining:

It’d be no surprise if Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was interested in a player like Brozovic. Not only is the Croatia international an intelligent footballer who's capable of occupying a variety of different roles in midfield, he’s extremely gifted technically and able to glide past opponents, take the ball in crammed parts of the pitch and get his side rolling.

These numbers from WhoScored.com show that Brozovic has found a way of making an impression in the final third lately, too:

Arsenal’s midfield is an area in which they will surely add new players this summer, with the contracts of Mathieu Flamini, Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky set to expire. Someone like Brozovic, who is more dynamic and energetic than those names, would bring a new dimension to the team’s work in the middle of the park.

Still, it’s a deal that could be extremely complicated given Brozovic is not yet officially an Inter player. Arsenal may have to battle hard to get the 23-year-old on board, but all the indications are that he’s a footballer worth the fuss.