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5 replacements for Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez

By Andrew Bernucca

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 03: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on January 3, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 03: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on January 3, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images) /
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 30: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City takes on Andy Robertson of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leicester City at Anfield on December 30, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 30: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City takes on Andy Robertson of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leicester City at Anfield on December 30, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

Riyad Mahrez, Leicester

A key player in Leicester’s surreal title run from two seasons ago, the Algerian winger has been rumored to be linked to Arsenal — among many other big clubs — ever since. The Guardian reports that Arsenal’s interest is definitely legitimate, though, especially as a Sanchez replacement.

The Algerian is a proven force in the Premier League, and would become only the third player in the squad, along with Petr Cech and Danny Welbeck, with a league title. Mahrez currently has seven assists and seven goals on the season and is at least as good as Sanchez in terms of his technical ability.

What he lacks, though, is the versatility, physicality and work rate. Even though Sanchez isn’t quite as skilled on the ball as Mahrez he’s able to beat players with brute force. He also constantly tracks back to defend and his strength makes it easier for him to push opposing players off the ball.

The Express has reported that Liverpool have engaged in transfer talks for Mahrez, but he would prefer a move to Arsenal. The 26-year-old wouldn’t be a replica of Sanchez but his attacking prowess and Premier League success will make Arsenal supporters happy.

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