Arsenal Transfer News: Rick Karsdorp Rumours, Latest on Alexis Sanchez

Arsenal and Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Feyenoord in their pursuit of full-back Rick Karsdorp.

According to Calciomercato (h/t Tom Coast of Sport Witness) both teams are considering a move for the defender given their own issues at right-back.

As noted by Coast, SoccerNews in the Netherlands also credit Bayern Munich and Inter Milan with an interest in Karsdorp, adding the four teams have spoken to Feyenoord director of football Martin van Geel about a possible switch.

The 21-year-old has continued to develop in the Eredivisie this season, blossoming into one of the standout players in his position in the division. Here is a look at what he’s capable of:

Having cemented his spot in the Feyenoord XI with some comprehensive displays last season, the Netherlands international has kicked on again in 2016-17.

His main attributes are attacking ones. Karsdorp loves to raid forward on the right flank, and typically, once he gets into dangerous positions, the youngster’s decision-making is excellent.

Here is a look at how he fares statistically compared to Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin and Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia this season:

	Karsdorp	Bellerin	Valencia
Apps (Sub)	15	11	12
Goals	1	0	0
Assists	3	1	0
Key passes per game	1.5	0.7	1.1
Dribbles per game	0.9	1.7	2
Tackles per game	1.3	0.7	2.8
Interceptions per game	1.9	2.2	1.9

While the Gunners arguably have the best right-back in the Premier League in Bellerin, his recent injury layoff has exposed the team’s lack of depth in the position. Neither Mathieu Debuchy nor Carl Jenkinson have impressed when given a chance.

Karsdorp still has areas to improve in his game, most notably in terms of his defensive aggressiveness and awareness. However, if Arsenal want a deputy to Bellerin who can offer similar penetration on the right flank, the Dutchman would be a savvy signing.

Alexis Sanchez Interest Dismissed

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola labelled reports linking the club with a move for Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez as “absolutely false” on Monday.

The Chile international has been in sensational form for the Gunners this season and turned in a mesmeric display on Saturday, scoring a hat-trick in a 5-1 win over West Ham United.

When asked about the alleged interest, Guardiola was quick to shut down the speculation.

“Absolutely false," he said at a news conference. "The journalist is a liar. He's a liar. Alexis Sanchez would fit in any team in the world. The journalist is a liar.”

Gareth Copley/Getty Images

As noted by Smith, the speculation was ignited after a report from Chilean newspaper El Mercurio, where it was suggested the City boss had been in touch with Sanchez in an attempt to convince him to make the switch to the Etihad Stadium once his contract expires at the end of next term.

Arsenal will likely do everything in their power to keep the player at the club. These are the numbers behind his incredible start to the Premier League season, per Squawka Football:

Tasked with leading the Gunners attack from a centre-forward berth, Sanchez has turned in some special performances. Defenders have found his movement and energy difficult to cope with, while his ability to score many different types of goals gives Arsenal an edge that few other teams in the Premier League can match.

Those who frequent the Emirates Stadium will be enjoying watching the Chilean tear things up, although there will be some worries over his future. According to James Olley of the Evening Standard, Sanchez is stalling over a new contract in the hope of earning a weekly salary of around £290,000.

While that’d make the forward one of the top earners in the division, his recent performances are worthy of that status. Until he pens a new deal, rumours about his future will continue to concern Arsenal fans.