Paul Merson backs Alexis Sanchez to join Chelsea

By Nick Hext

Former Arsenal forward Merson expects Sanchez to exit the Emirates Stadium during the summer and Chelsea have been linked with a move for the Chile international.

Former Barcelona star Sanchez has just 15 months left on his current contract and there has so far been no indication that the 28-year-old will sign a new deal.

A switch to the Premier League leaders would be sure to go down badly with Arsenal fans but Merson doesn't think there will be any concerns from the Gunners boardroom about selling to their London rivals for the right price.

"I think Sanchez will leave this summer," Merson told Sportinglife.com.

"It’s terrible how Arsenal can let a player of that talent run the years down on his contract. 

"I don’t think Arsenal will finish in the top four and if they don’t finish in the top four then I don’t see him staying.    

"There’s about eight of the players with contracts running down and I find it extraordinary that they are in this situation.

“Because of everything going on with Arsene Wenger, I think they’ve just forgotten about the players. 

"I know the way Arsenal work so there is no way they will let Sanchez leave for nothing if they can £50million for him in the summer. They will have no qualms in selling him to Chelsea. 

"Arsenal will have no choice if Chelsea are the team that are prepared to pay £50million then Arsenal won’t let him see his contract out.     

"People say ‘oh well, they won’t sell to Chelsea’, but they sold Robin van Persie to Manchester United so they won’t be fussed about that."

Sky Sports pundit Merson thinks Sanchez could replace Eden Hazard, who has been linked with Real Madrid, at Chelsea.

Belgium international Hazard has enjoyed a fantastic season for the Blues but Merson thinks replacing him with Hazard could make Antonio Conte's side even stronger.

"I definitely think Sanchez could be a Chelsea player next season," Merson added. 

"He’s a world-class footballer so he would fit in at Chelsea. 

"People say he’s not the same player but he’ll get you a lot more goals than Hazard. 

"If they can sign Sanchez for £50million and get a £100million for Hazard then I think that’s good business."

Sky Sports will show the biggest games in the Premier League run-in including Chelsea v Manchester United, the North London and Manchester derbies and more.