Who replaces Alexis Sanchez for the start of Arsenal’s Premier League season?

Following Arsene Wenger’s news that attacker Alexis Sanchez will miss the start of Arsenal’s season, Coral analyse who could possibly replace the Chilean for the first few matches of the season, after his Copa America exploits this summer.

The Gunners, who are 9/2 with Coral to win the title, having dropped from 5/1 after the signing of Petr Cech, are said to be in the market for more players this summer. However, whether Arsenal bring in a direct replacement or Wenger experiments in pre-season with alternative squad players, remains to be seen.

One who has been waiting patiently in the wings, for a consistent run in the first team, is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Although the 21-year-old featured 23 times last term, a considerable amount of these were substitute appearances, proven by his solitary goal.

However, he is clearly talented which he proved in the Champions League during the 2013/14 season against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena when he ran the show. Also able to play in a variety of positions across midfield, his versatility and flexibility is a trait Wenger admires and to occupy the role Sanchez does on the left effectively wouldn’t be a problem.

Another who would seize on any chance is Danny Welbeck who came in last season, and showed he is capable of playing anywhere across the attacking third. Likely to have recovered from an injury in time, which kept him out of the last few games of last season, he can deputise more than capably for the Chilean and has the endeavour, pace and goal-scoring ability to boot.

Or, Wenger could splash out once more. There have been recent suggestions that he could be preparing a bid for Pedro at Barcelona, who could come in and compete with Sanchez for a place on the left, or fill in for him initially. Following the departure of Lukas Podolski and the anticipated exit of Joel Campbell, Wenger has room to manoeuvre in his squad.

Whoever Wenger chooses to replace Sanchez, there is more than enough evidence to suggest they will do just fine.