Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are set leave Arsenal for free next summer unless they commit to new deal in the near future with the club.
Having known that, we’ve highlighted a list of six players Arsenal could sign free to replace the duo next summer. For those who are only really interested in wagering for a bit of fun, you can easily look into betting on Sanchez joining Manchester City this January as the Chile international odds is priced at 1/2 to join the Premier League toppers this winter.
Obviously, the race to replace the duo is going to be difficult without spending any money, but the list herein are the best options available next summer, based on those who have expiring contracts and strong enough to replace Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil at the Emirates.
1. Juan Mata
The former Chelsea midfielder hasn’t yet been given a new Manchester United deal, and has enjoyed success with the Red Devils and Chelsea in the past, so he could be a good Premier League proven unless rumours making rounds of a new deal bears fruit at all.
2. Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley isn’t a proven Premier League star, but the England international’s a young player with great potential, so the Everton man could be worth looking at if he finds form and a place in the Toffees team again. Barkley is still reportedly courted by Chelsea.
3. Mario Balotelli
The former Liverpool and Manchester City striker has always divided opinion, but with eight Serie A goals coupled with 13 assists, he could help Arsenal replace Alexis Sanchez’s scoring prowess, if he can keep his head and be consistent, which is a big “if” for him. Arsene Wenger had once looked into signing him before, could he think about moving for the Italian striker once again? Only time will tell.
4. Arjen Robben
What better way to replace Alexis’ brilliant cut-inside-and-shoot than bringing in someone who’s the master of that particular technique. Robben is unlikely to join Arsenal considering his Chelsea background and Bayern Munich’s dominance over the North London club, but it could be worth a shot as a short-term solution. Arsenal fans will love to have player of his kind in their ranks.
5. Franck Ribery
Just a year older than Robben but currently out-of-action injured, Ribery could be a bit of a risk. But again, the Frenchman’s got the quality if he was at all interested and could offer another short-term option.
Hopefully, Arsenal don’t have to replace Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil at once, but if there need arises, a player or two from this list could be an affordable coup for Arsenal to consider.