Arsenal Transfer News: Alexis Sanchez Wanted by Juventus, Latest Gunners Rumours

Juventus are reportedly targeting Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez as they seek a replacement for Alvaro Morata—a player the Gunners still harbour ambitions of signing despite his return to Real Madrid. 

According to Tuttosport (h/t Calciomercato.com's Steve Mitchell), the Bianconeri have "already made contact with the player’s agent [Fernando] Felicevich and discussions will continue," but they could struggle to land him, as Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is unwilling to part with the Chile international.

Further, "Sanchez is set for showdown talks with the Premier League side over his future" and speculation has also been fuelled by reports of an unnamed South American footballer expressing interest in Morata's former property in Turin.

Per Mitchell, Proto Group—which "manage the properties for some of the world’s biggest players"—said:

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There is South American interest in houses in Turin. We cannot name the player but it will be a nice surprise for Juventus fans. We have been asked to find a buyer for the property that Morata lived in, in the centre of Turin and this was communicated to us a few weeks ago. However, we can say no more at this time.

"

The Chilean did not enjoy his best campaign last season, though he still managed to accrue 17 goals and 11 assists for the Gunners in all competitions, and he remains one of their most important performers.

The 27-year-old has just tasted success with his national side at the Copa America for the second year running:

Sanchez has experience of Serie A, having played for Udinese prior to joining Barcelona and would be an excellent capture for the Italian champions. Former Juventus star Mauro Camoranesi believes as much, and he told Goal's Nicolas de Marco:

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I heard that it could be Alexis Sanchez. He knows the Italian football. He has the speed to cause problems for opposition defences, he will be joining a team with a winning mentality and I think it can be a great opportunity for him and Juve could get more out of him. 

Alexis is a different player. You have already [Mario] Mandzukic and [Paulo] Dybala, and with Alexis they can make a stronger attack.

"

Prising him away from the Emirates Stadium will prove difficult, though. As Arsenal try to build a squad that can win the Premier League title, losing Sanchez would be a huge blow and cause uproar among their already frustrated supporters.

Unless the forward pursues the move himself, due to the higher chance of winning league titles, he's likely to stay put.

Handout/Getty Images

Meanwhile, the Gunners remain in the hunt for Morata alongside Chelsea, per the Mirror's Darren Lewis.

The Spaniard's agent Juanma Lopez has received offers from unnamed Premier League clubs, and it seems as though Morata is open to joining them if Madrid want to sell him on or plan to use him from the bench. 

Morata told Spanish television channel Cuatro (h/t Anthony Chapman of the Sun): "I do not have to prove anything to anyone. I am a player of Real Madrid, and they will decide if they want me. Otherwise we will find another solution."

The 23-year-old enjoyed some fine form with Spain in the 2016 UEFA European Championship group stage, per WhoScored.com's Ben McAleer:

He was unable to find a way past Italy's mean defence on Monday but was perhaps unfortunate to be subbed off, per football journalist Dermot Corrigan:

Indeed, even when he doesn't score, Morata has much to offer, providing dynamic play up front coupled with excellent dribbling skills and the ability to create opportunities for his team-mates.

His saga looks set to rumble on for some time, but unless Los Blancos part with one of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema or Gareth Bale, it's likely he'll have a more significant role elsewhere than he would staying at the Santiago Bernabeu.

If Arsenal hope to land him and are willing to pay the price, they should exploit their ability to make him the main man up front to convince the player to join.