Arsenal Transfer News: Alexis Sanchez Calls for Javier Hernandez, Latest Rumours

Arsenal dynamo Alexis Sanchez has requested that Arsenal bring former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez back to England, while the Gunners will go up against Fiorentina for Anderlecht's Andy Najar.

According to Spanish outlet Don Balon, Sanchez has been impressed with Hernandez's form at Bayer Leverkusen and "has asked boss Arsene Wenger" to sign the Bundesliga ace (h/t Metro's George Bellshaw). 

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Hernandez is in the form of his career and has netted 19 goals in his first 22 games for Bayer Leverkusen after completing an £8 million move from Old Trafford over the summer.

The Mexico international's career-best tally for goals in one season was the 21 he bagged for Guadalajara back in 2009-10, but he's well on track to eclipse that figure this term. Bleacher Report UK highlighted the attacker's recent form:

The Gunners could sign the striker but wouldn't be able to register Hernandez as a player until next season, considering he's already played for Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen this term.

Article 5.3 of FIFA's regulations on the status and transfers of players prevents anyone from representing more than two clubs in a season.

Former Newcastle United winger Hatem Ben Arfa found out about that ruling the hard way after he completed a move to Nice last January, only to be prevented from playing for the club. Per the Guardian's Jamie Jackson, the law states:

“Players may be registered with a maximum of three clubs during one season. During this period, the player is only eligible to play official matches for two clubs.”

Hernandez played in one Premier League fixture and two Champions League qualifiers for United before joining Leverkusen and so wouldn't be able to link up with Sanchez until the summer.

Olivier Giroud was dropped from the Arsenal XI in favour of Theo Walcott earlier this season, but the Frenchman has hit good form again, and BT Sport recently discussed his future prospects under Wenger:

Former Chelsea midfielder Ray Wilkins told talkSPORT Hernandez was a bargain for Bayer, who are reaping the benefits of their shrewd purchase (h/t Charlie Philippe of the Daily Express):

“I don’t quite understand how this guy’s playing outside this country. He was a snip at £8m-£10m, 27 years of age, should not have been allowed to leave because he’s too talented.”

Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Associated Press

The Gunners have a better chance of signing Anderlecht player Najar during the January transfer window, but Serie A outfit Fiorentina will rival the north Londoners for his services this winter.

That's according to Di Marzio translator David Amoyal, who reported the Italians are hoping to seal the winger's signature for a fee of around €5 million. Over the summer, Belgian football expert John Chapman suggested the Honduran was worth more:

Wenger has undoubtedly taken a shine to the 22-year-old's versatility as Najar is capable of playing anywhere down the right flank. The Daily Mail's Matt Barlow recently reported out-of-favour right-back Mathieu Debuchy could leave the Emirates Stadium in January, meaning right-back cover would be needed.

Najar has already earned 31 caps for Honduras and made 99 appearances for Anderlecht since joining from D.C. United in 2013, but Arsenal will have to fend off hefty competition if they're to get his signature.