Arsenal eye Gelson Martins with Alexis Sanchez likely to go
According to the Daily Star, Arsenal are weighing up a move for Sporting CP winger Gelson Martins as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez.
Arsene Wenger is ready to make a £53m move for Martins. It is looking increasingly likely that Alexis Sanchez is on his way out of the Emirates, with the Chilean close to joining Manchester United. There are recent reports that Manchester City have ended their interest in Sanchez with Manchester United the favourites to land the Chilean superstar in a deal that could be worth £65m with wages included.
After Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Bournemouth, the Gunners are now sixth in the Premier League table – eight points off of the Champions League places. Wenger is keen to push through the Sanchez deal as he could use the money to invest in quality additions to the squad, especially in midfield. The Frenchman confirmed that he is looking for new options after the disappointing result.
Martins could be on his way to the Emirates as Wenger is lacking depth on the wing, especially following Theo Walcott’s departure. The Portuguese international has made 17 appearances for Sporting CP, who are currently top of the Primeira Liga, this season. The 22-year-old has scored seven goals and provided four assists in all competitions for Sporting.
Martins will cost Arsenal a reported £53m with his contract ending in 2022. There are also rumours that Arsenal could land Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan if Sanchez leaves the North London side. The Armenian hasn’t started a game for United since November and has struggled to impress since his move from Borussia Dortmund.