Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Alexis Sanchez, Dani Alves, More

Pessimism surrounds Arsenal after a week filled with poor results, and amid reports that the coaching staff is now starting to lose faith in Arsene Wenger, via Matt Law and Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph, the transfer gossip is starting to reflect those negative feelings.

The Gunners are already 12 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea and currently find themselves sixth in the Premier League standings, and the squad is in dire need of some reinforcements in January.

With players now openly suggesting they could leave the club, Wenger needs to turn the situation around quickly, and solid investments in the winter window could go a long way toward doing just that.

Ian Wright Fears Potential Alexis Sanchez Summer Exit

Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Associated Press

One Gunner who continues to shine is summer arrival Alexis Sanchez, and Arsenal legend Ian Wright fears the current situation might lead to an early departure.

The former England international took to Twitter to warn his former club the vultures will be circling if the results don't improve drastically:

The Chile international has enjoyed a fine start to life in England after joining the club from Barcelona, scoring at a high pace and consistently applying pressure to opposing defences.

StatsBomb's Ted Knutson highlighted his performances with this graphic, emphasising he averages almost a goal per match, not counting penalties:

Lots of top clubs would pay a premium for such consistent production, and if you add in the fact he's just 25 years old, it's not inconceivable to think one or two clubs may test the waters.

What is hard to believe is that Sanchez would want to leave the club after just one season. The Chilean hasn't been the focal point of attack since his days with Udinese and has yet to give any clear sign he may not be happy in north London.

Top players always wish to compete for silverware, but the Gunners' current struggles are being blown out of proportion. The club sits just one point out of the Champions League spots—it's far too early to suggest Arsenal's season will end in disappointment.

Dani Alves Eyed for January Deal

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

The Daily Express' Anthony Chapman knows Wenger is looking at the Barcelona duo of Dani Alves and Pedro, and while the club's reported interest in the latter isn't new, the former presents an intriguing option to help solve the Gunners' defensive crisis.

The veteran full-back, who will reportedly be the target of a £6 million bid from Arsenal, would allow Calum Chambers to commit to the centre-back position full-time, giving the Gunners some pivotal depth at both positions.

Alves has been one of Barcelona's key players for years, marauding up and down the right wing and contributing tremendously in the attacking third. He's starting to lose some of his trademark speed and explosiveness due to age, but his three assists this season suggest he's still an effective player, per WhoScored.com.

A £6 million offer would be manageable and would help stabilise the Gunners' defence, the biggest need the club currently has. But the veteran will expect to start in England, and so will Mathieu Debuchy once he returns to full health.

Wenger isn't known as a big spender in the winter window and would likely prefer a younger option he could convince to come off the bench for the foreseeable future. Alves would present a move away from the French manager's philosophy, and a move appears unlikely.

Lukas Podolski Hints at January Departure

Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Associated Press

Longtime Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski is tired of sitting on the bench, and as reported by The Guardian, he's ready to assess his options and even leave the club if he has to:

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I am not happy with the situation at the moment. It would be wrong to suggest that I am. I still have fun playing football but when the competitive element of it is taken away from me, the one I enjoy so much, then I am not happy. I have to think about [what] will happen this winter and will look to hold talks with the club.

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There was much speculation regarding a transfer move for the 29-year-old during the summer, but the German made it very clear he had no interest in leaving the club, saying there were no concrete offers for him.

He's made just four starts this season, including none in the Premier League or Champions League, per WhoScored. Against Swansea, Wenger decided to put his faith in Yaya Sanogo instead of the German to help salvage a point, despite the youngster never having scored a single competitive goal for the club.

Bleacher Report UK's James McNicholas was baffled by the decision:

It's safe to assume Podolski was of the same opinion, and it's difficult to hold a grudge against the loyal servant for considering his options and thinking about leaving to secure more playing time.

Finding minutes will only get harder once Olivier Giroud returns to fitness, so Podolski's future may very well lie away from the club come January.

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