- Arsenal eye £27m replacement for outgoing Alexis Sanchez
- Chilean linked with £25m move to Man City with contract running down
- Gunners would be well advised to cash in while they have the chance
- READ MORE: Premier League side confident of seeing off rival bidders in £20m Arsenal transfer raid
It’s becoming increasingly likely that Alexis Sanchez leaves Arsenal, and now reports claim a replacement may have been identified.
The Chilean international’s current contract with the Gunners expires at the end of the season, at which point they risk seeing him leave for nothing.
In turn, if Arsenal do have a desire to bring in funds for Sanchez, they have their last chance to do so in the January transfer window.
That is surely the more sensible strategy if it appears Sanchez won’t pen a renewal, as they can at least raise funds from his sale and reinvest that back into the squad.
According to The Sun, that’s what they could be about to do as it’s claimed that Arsenal are set to launch a £27m move for Boca Juniors youngster Cristian Pavon, which would see them exercise the release clause in his contract.
Further, it’s suggested that Sanchez would exit in a £25m move to Manchester City, and while there will be big shoes to fill for Pavon, it’s an almost straight swap in terms of looking at it from a financial perspective.
So, who is the 21-year-old? Pavon has scored 13 goals and provided 12 assists in 50 Primera Division appearances, while he’s got four and two in 10 outings in the Copa Libertadores.
That would suggest he’s got the pedigree and maturity to deliver on a big stage despite his young age, while he’s also versatile. His preferred position is on the right wing, but he has played on the opposite flank and through the middle at times.
In turn, that would make him an almost like-for-like swap for Sanchez in terms of where he could be deployed on the pitch too while he has a big future ahead of him based on the early signs. It may not be an established name that Arsenal fans were hoping for, but if a deal is done, it could prove to be a great addition in the long-term.