5 replacements for Alexis Sanchez should he leave Arsenal

Alexis Sanchez continues to be linked with a move away fro Arsenal. If he goes who should the Gunners bring in to replace him.

Alexis Sanchez is entering the final year of his contract with Arsenal, and has been linked with a move away from the Emirates all summer. If he goes, the Gunners must replace him. But who should they go for?

The signing of Alexandre Lacazette would have allowed Sanchez to play in behind him, as an attacking midfielder or even a winger. And with a true striker, the focus for a replacement should be on a playmaker to assist in attack with Lacazette. Here are five options Arsene Wenger should consider.

5. Riyad Mahrez

Mahrez would be the ideal replacement for Sanchez, if he is to leave. While he would cost a pretty penny, the sale of Sanchez would very likely cover any costs, and then some.

Mahrez could take over as the attacking midfielder for Sanchez, or possibly even play out as a winger as well. While he did have a bit of a down year last season, with six goals and three assists, his talent is undeniable.

In 36 matches last season, three of them off the bench, Mahrez produced 2.1 shots per 90 minutes, 1.4 key passes per 90, completed 2.2 dribbles per 90 and was fouled 1.3 times per 90. Compare this to Sanchez’s numbers — 3.4 shots per 90, 2.1 key passes, 2.9 completed dribbles and 1.8 times fouled — and you would be led to believe Sanchez is lightyears better.

While Sanchez staying would be the better option, those numbers for Mahrez would see a rather sharp increase when playing with names like Lacazette, Meust Ozil and the rest of the Arsenal squad as compared to what he is currently playing with at Leicester.

Should Sanchez leave, Mahrez would be the most likely candidate to come in as a replacement, and arguably the best as well.