Why Arsenal Should Push For Sanchez-Sterling Swap In January
It’s never plain sailing for Arsenal in the Premier League and this season is no different either. Having been beaten at Stoke and being thrashed by Liverpool, they recently managed to regain some confidence following their 0-0 draw against Chelsea last weekend. Capable of being exhilarating and frustrating in equal measure, the Gunners now find themselves at 12th place on the table, having won just 2 of their opening 5 games.
Controversy has not only surrounded Arsene Wenger but also his star player Alexis Sanchez, who was caught on live television smirking after the 4-0 loss to Liverpool. Fans have questioned his commitment to the club as he clearly has shown no intention of signing a new contract with the club.
Before the transfer window ended, there were strong links of a possible Sanchez-Sterling swap between Arsenal and Manchester City. While the eventual sale of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain momentarily stopped those rumours, the buzz about it still lingers. The January transfer window could see the switch happen. However, would it make sense for either of the clubs? Let’s find out.
For Arsenal, the move could look appealing given they might have to let Sanchez go for free if it stays this way. Also, Sterling looks to be in good form this season, having already amassed 5 goals in the Premier League. In City, he plays in the same system that Wenger deploys and would definitely enjoy being the focal point of the Gunners attack.
He is currently not the main man at the Manchester-based outfit, who have the likes Kevin de Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero walking away with all the plaudits. Moreover, at 22 years of age, the English international has his best years ahead of him and would fit right into Wenger’s policy of investing in young and promising players.
For Manchester City, the move makes much less sense. Pep Guardiola has had trouble in finding the right personnel for his 3-5-2 formation and it would be foolish on his part to let go of someone who has just started to find his feet, proving to be an integral part of this team.
Sanchez might be proven and may be someone with much more experience, but he will be unlikely to mould the Chilean to fit into the team like he did with his English protege. Moreover, it is unlikely that Txiki Begiristain and the others at the helm of City’s management would let someone as exciting as Sterling join a direct Premier League rival, no matter who comes in exchange.
So it is possible that City will never approve the move at all.