Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez may well miss the beginning of next season due to the Copa America.
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South America’s finest are set to meet in Chile this summer as the continent’s finest sides—plus Mexico and Jamaica—will battle for the CONMEBOL crown.
As hosts, and as one of the continent’s outstanding sides, Chile will be expected to go far in the tournament—which is due to end only one month before the beginning of the 2015/16 Premier League campaign.
Wenger has admitted that he is concerned about the late end-time of the continental showpiece [via London24], making Sanchez a doubt for both the start of the Gunners’ EPL campaign and, potentially, the charity shield, should they win the FA Cup.
In this feature, we profile six Arsenal transfer targets linked to the club who may step in to replace Sanchez at the beginning of next season.
Raheem Starling
Despite being warned that he will not be sold this summer, Raheem Sterling’s future at Liverpool remains up in the air.
The England international is yet to sign a new contract at Anfield and has reportedly rejected a £100,000-per-week deal, tying him to the club for five years—according to the Guardian.
Arsenal, who can offer the player Champions League football and a return to London, may be in a position to test Liverpool’s resolve this summer, potentially offering Theo Walcott in part-exchange for the 20-year-old.
Marco Reus
Things are threatening to unravel at Borussia Dortmund and, like coach Jurgen Klopp, Marco Reus may well be on his way out of the club.
Indeed, should BVB indicate that they will listen to offers for their star man, Europe’s major clubs will surely be interested.
Arsenal are believed to be keen [via the Telegraph], and see the Germany international as an ideal long-term replacement for Theo Walcott on the right flank.
Isco
Isco, like Sergio Canales before him, threatens to find himself squeezed out of the Bernabeu due to the immense competition at the club.
While the Spain international has managed 31 appearances in La Liga this season, eight of them have come from the bench.
Real Madrid are believed to be open to selling the former Malaga man [via Metro], although Arsenal may need to offer upwards of £32.9 million to secure his signature.
Edinson Cavani
Having reportedly handed in a transfer request at Paris Saint-Germain, forward Edinson Cavani may soon be on his way to the Emirates Stadium.
The Uruguay international is believed to have grown frustrated at playing second fiddle to Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the Parc des Princes and is keen to seek his fortunes away from the French capital.
Arsenal may face competition from Manchester United and Atletico Madrid for the £55million-rated superstar.
Alex Lacazette
Olympique Lyonnais striker Alex Lacazette looks nailed on to pick up the top scorer gong in Ligue 1 this season. The France international has bagged 26 goals in 30 matches so far this season, firing OL into the title race.
However, the Gunners may face competition from London rivals Chelsea in their bid to recruit the 23-year-old hotshot.
Paulo Dybala
The Palermo forward has been dubbed ‘the new Lionel Messi’ by his current Serie A employers, Palermo, and would surely be a valuable asset to Arsenal.
However, would Arsene Wenger be willing to part with a reportedly £28 million to bring the talented forward to the Emirates Stadium?
Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are also believed to be eyeing the Argentina international.