19 June 2023 , 06:38
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Alexis Sanchez phoned Mikel Arteta to enquire if he could return to Arsenal in this summer transfer window as his contract at Marseille expires.
The Chilean first arrived in English football to ply his trade for the Gunners, where he played for three-and-a-half seasons as his goals helped fire Arsenal to two FA Cup triumphs and secure Champions League football for the majority of his time in north London. He was adored by the Emirates faithful.
Alexis scored 80 goals and provided 45 assists for Arsenal across 166 appearances having joined the club from Barcelona in 2014. He had established himself as a fans favourite at the club before damaging relations somewhat by joining Premier League rivals Manchester United in January 2018.
Alexis endured a difficult 18-month spell at Old Trafford, where he scored just five times having been signed by Jose Mourinho, before joining Italian giants Inter, initially on loan, in August 2019 and then moving to Marseille last summer.
The Chilean, who also won consecutive Copa Americas with his nation in 2015 and 2016, celebrated his 34 th birthday in December, but after helping Marseille to a second placed finish in Ligue 1 last season – he showed how he can still operate a high level.
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Alexis bagged an impressive 18 goals and provided three assists across all competitions for Marseille last term, playing a key role in their attack. Two of those strikes came in the club’s Champions League group stage.
Arteta (centre) and Alexis (right) were teammates at Arsenal (PA)Have Your Say! Would Alexis have been a good free signing for Arsenal this summer? Tell us what you think here.
A report in Chilean media outlet La Tercera outlines how Alexis – who is out of contract this summer – phoned Arteta this summer as he attempted to make a pitch to returning to the North London club. However, the Arsenal boss reportedly told him that he would not be in his transfer plans for the coming season.
Alexis said last season, ahead of facing Tottenham with Marseille in the Champions League: “I have great affection for Arsenal and great memories from my time there, and beating Spurs, every time it was very special. These are memories I hold close to my heart and cherish.”
The future for Alexis is now unclear, with links to Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus – who are both said to be monitoring his situation after his contract expires in Marseille.