- Arsenal may be preparing for life without star forward Alexis Sanchez
- The Chilean is reportedly heading to Manchester City on a free transfer
- Arsenal now look prepared to bid for Barcelona forward Jose Arnaiz
- READ MORE: Arsenal, Chelsea & Man City given hope of sealing £40m transfer
Arsenal are reportedly prepared to meet the release clause of Barcelona attacker Jose Arnaiz in the January transfer window amid rumours over Alexis Sanchez’s future.
The Daily Mirror claim Sanchez has agreed on a free transfer to Manchester City next summer, so it may be that Arsene Wenger is already planning for life without the Chile international.
According to Marca, Arsene Wenger is seriously considering a January bid for highly-rated Barca youngster Jose Arnaiz in that position after some impressive cameos this season.
The report claims the Gunners could even be prepared to meet his £17million release clause in order to speed things along.
The 22-year-old is not a regular for Ernesto Valverde’s side, but has been given some chances to impress in the Copa del Rey.
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Capable of playing a variety of attacking midfield roles, Arnaiz looks a player with some potential to eventually replace Sanchez, though he might not be the immediate solution.
Arsenal fans will certainly be hoping for some bigger names arriving in attack as it looks increasingly likely that Sanchez will leave at the end of his contract next summer.
Still, Wenger has successfully raided Barcelona’s academy in the past, snapping up the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Hector Bellerin at a young age and with both players proving big successes at the Emirates Stadium.