Arsenal have always known they face a difficult task this summer to keep Alexis Sanchez at the club, as the Chilean enters the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates Stadium, and it’s rapidly approaching crunch-time for the Gunners.

Alexis excelled this season, raising interest in his services, and a wealth of top sides have been linked with a summer deal for the South American; although it seems Bayern Munich and Manchester City are the stand-out names in the race.

Significant reports have circulated in the past week that suggest Alexis will be vacating North London over the summer, as it’s been stated Bayern Munich will make the two-time Copa America winner their highest paid player, whilst alternative reports indicate Manchester City are on the verge of a deal.

The reports of a deal being completed by the Citizens are likely to be premature but the media reports certainly indicate that Arsenal are unlikely to keep Alexis Sanchez at the club, although the Gunners are determined not to sell to a rival.

Whatever the scenario, Arsenal need to assure they appease their supporters by securing a replacement before any deal is agreed and the Gunners must show that a sale is on their own terms, rather than revisiting the days where Arsene Wenger’s side struggled to keep hold of big names.

Replacing Alexis certainly won’t be easy but he is also replaceable and Arsenal fans should be confident their side can cope with any departure, especially as they’re continually linked to the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Thomas Lemar and Riyad Mahrez.

All three of those players could potentially be ideal recruits for Alexis, although the Gunners need to accept it’s highly unlikely they’ll manage to find a like-for-like replacement and will instead need to seek an addition that would fit into their squad.

Wenger’s adjustment to a three-man defence at the back-end of the season has left plenty of options open for Arsenal, as they can seek wing-backs to support the attack or utilise the attacking midfield areas where Alexis and Mesut Ozil played in recent months.

It’s likely that this area will be the focus for their business if Alexis does need, and they’ll also seek an addition in the striking role ahead of him, but it’s crucial that Arsenal sign a replacement before any sale is agreed.

The Gunners have the finances to make this possible and it would also send a more positive message. Before that though, Arsenal need to do all they can to try and convince Alexis to stay put- even if a new deal comes with an agreement that he can leave next summer.