It’s that time of the year where players are linked to different clubs and the ongoing World Cup in Brazil has provided a platform for several players to trot their stuff before a worldwide audience. Along these line is the Swiss and Bayern Munich playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri, who happens to be in the shadows of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben at the Allianz Arena. However, that has not stopped him to be one of the stand out players at the on going the World Cup.
As part of the summer transfer rendezvous, he has been linked to several clubs in the Premier League particularly Liverpool. And the 22 year old Swiss maestro has certainly not disappointed his potential suitors. The player popularly called the Alpine Messi came to life against Honduras in a World Cup group match after a subdued performance against Ecuador and France. Scoring an hat trick to take Switzerland to the Round of 16.
It is doubtful whether he will continue in the shadows of Ribery and Robben after his performance so far in Brazil, which has provided a platform for something to come out of Liverpool’s interest. But there is a possible twist in the tale. Barcelona are interested in signing Luis Suarez and are prepared to use Alexis Sanchez and Pedro as a make weight for the deal. The chance of Liverpool going for the Swiss Shaqiri reduces the chances of signing Sanchez directly or accepting him as part of any Suarez deal.
There are rumours doing the rounds that the Merseyside club are interested in signing Alexis Sanchez, but not as part of any deal that could take Suarez out of Anfield. The fact that they are strongly being linked to Shaqiri by many journalists who are considered reliable, mean there could be something in Shaqiri to Liverpool rumours and if that is the case, it could pave the way for Arsenal to pounce on the opportunity of signing the Chilean Alexis Sanchez.
Italian champions Juventus are also interested in signing Sanchez, but it is doubtful whether the Old Ladies can meet the demands of Barcelona as regards any possible transfer fee. Juve we all know are not strong financially at the moment. Which leaves the door open for Arsenal to come in. And Liverpool’s strong interest in signing the Alpine Messi, Shaqiri only means that Arsenal has a one way battle to sign the Chilean without having to be subjected to match or exceed the bid put forward by other clubs that are interested.
Although, Juventus keeps getting linked to the Chilean, the financial situation at Turin club means it a straight battle between Arsenal and Liverpool in signing Alexis Sanchez, but Liverpool’s interest in the Chilean has stated before could be wearing thin as a result of their interest in Shaqiri, which can only be a win-win situation for Arsenal to bring the versatile Chilean to the Emirates Stadium.
Should Arsenal end up signing Sanchez (which I think we will, unless Wenger changes his mind ), we will be getting a great player who can play any where across the attack. He will not only be able to play with Giroud but can also replace him in the team. His signing will mean we will likely sign Remy as signing Sanchez means we do not need to invest big on a striker. It also means we will have enough in the bank to pursue the signing of a good defensive midfielder. Someone like Gustavo who is reportedly available for 26 million. Sanchez, Remy and Gustavo for just 59 million pounds will be good business.
