Arsene Wenger may claim to be confident in Arsenal's abilities to keep Alexis Sanchez at the Emirates stadium past the end of this season, but the Gunners boss is still reportedly making plans for the Chilean's departure.
The news that has been filtering out of North London in recent weeks has been a lot more positive regarding Sanchez's future, yet behind the scenes there appears to be some degree of uncertainty and it could potentially prompt Arsenal into breaking their record transfer fee.
Sanchez's current deal with the Gunners comes to an end next Summer and the former Barcelona man's unwillingness to sign a new contract has seen the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain begin to circle, with the intentions of prising the 28-year-old forward away from the Emirates.
Sanchez has been vital to Arsenal this season, scoring 25 goals in 47 games. Images: PA
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With the sale of Sanchez a distinct possibility, Arsenal are now rumoured to have entered the race for Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata.
It is believed that Chelsea currently lead the race for the 24-year-old's signature, but the Gunners' board would be willing to sanction a club record breaking offer of £50m to land the former Juventus striker, should Sanchez leave.
A £50m fee for Morata would trump the £42m Arsenal paid Real for Mesut Ozil in 2013 and would land the Gunners a striker with less miles on the clock than Sanchez and an impressive return of 20 goals in 40 games, this season, despite making a good number of his appearances from the bench.
Morata's return to Real Madrid may be short lived, with several clubs chasing the Spanish striker, this Summer. Image: PA
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Of course, any move for Morata would be a second choice option for Arsene Wenger, who is rumoured to have given the OK to the Arsenal board to smash the club's wage structure by offering Sanchez a £300,000-per-week deal in order to keep him in North London.
What would be Arsenal's best move, though? Sell Sanchez and replace him with Morata or do all they can to keep the Chilean at the club?
Have your say in the comments section, below.
(H/T Metro)
Topics: Football, Alvaro Morata, Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal, Real Madrid