Arsenal Transfer News: Alexis Sanchez Wanted by Juventus Ahead of January Window

Juventus reportedly still harbour ambitions of signing Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez and could be set to make an offer for him in January.

According to Italian outlet Tuttosport (h/t the Telegraph), the Bianconeri attempted to sign him for £34 million in the summer and failed, but they have not given up on the possibility of his capture. They and "a number of clubs around the world are expected to test Arsenal's resolve during the January transfer window."

The Serie A champions would have to "smash their wage structure" to land him, though, an issue that has seen the Chilean thus far fail to agree terms on a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.

Sanchez set up Theo Walcott's early strike against Manchester City on Sunday, his 12th assist of the season in all competitions, and he has also bagged 14 goals.

Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez is a great admirer of the former Barcelona forward:

Along with Mesut Ozil, the 28-year-old is one of the Gunners' most crucial players. Football writer Liam Canning believes Sanchez in particular would be missed if he were to leave:

Indeed, as talented as the German is, there remains a question mark over his ability to produce the goods in the Gunners' biggest games, and his anonymous performance in Sunday's 2-1 defeat will only enhance that view in the eyes of his detractors. 

By contrast, Sanchez's commitment and work ethic have never been in doubt, and after helping Chile win the Copa America two years running, it's also clear he possesses the kind of steel Arsenal need more of in their side.

Despite his efforts, Arsenal find themselves nine points behind Chelsea in the title race, out of the EFL Cup and facing Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, so they may well face yet another season without silverware.

TYT Sports' Pilib de Brun believes Sanchez would be better off leaving:

Juventus would offer a greater guarantee of silverware—they've won the Serie A five years running and are already seven points clear this season—and Sanchez has experience playing in Italy after making over 100 appearances for Udinese.

However, wages may well be an issue for the Bianconeri, and that could rule them out of the race to sign him, which is likely to feature several clubs who are more than happy to meet his financial demands.

Of course, there's no guarantee he'll leave the Gunners at all, especially in January, as the club would effectively rule themselves out of winning the title by parting with him. But Arsenal may find it harder to tie him down on a new deal after a week that dealt a major blow to their ambitions.