Arsenal

Arsene Wenger hints at Alexis Sanchez central role

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 19 August 2016

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hints that he could use Alexis Sanchez as a centre-forward this season having failed to add attacking reinforcements in the transfer window.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted that he could look to use Alexis Sanchez as a centre-forward this season.

The Gunners have been linked with moves for the likes of Jamie Vardy, Gonzalo Higuain and Alexandre Lacazette during the current transfer window, but they have so far failed to add to their attacking ranks this summer.

Sanchez led the line during the season-opening defeat to Liverpool, with Olivier Giroud still lacking match fitness after Euro 2016, and Wenger believes that the 27-year-old has the attributes to be a long-term option through the middle.

"I think yes. I think it is worth to try as he has the quality to go behind. On the flanks he uses a lot of energy by chasing back and I would like to use his energy sometimes a bit more efficiently by going behind the defenders as he is a good finisher. He has played centre forward at Barcelona. He is technically top," he told reporters.

"He has similar qualities [to Luis Suarez]. And he has a good timing to run behind the defenders. His run through in the first half when [Nacho] Monreal gave him the ball and he was just offside, a fraction. Let's see. It is interesting to see how well he copes with that."

Sanchez has scored 29 goals in 66 appearances for Arsenal since joining from Barcelona in 2014.