Marcelo Allende has had a number of trials with Arsenal and the player who is (wrongly) compared with Alexis Sanchez, is reportedly at home in Chile waiting for a decision from Arsenal.

  • 18-year-old can now sign contract with Arsenal
  • He has had 3 trials with the club
  • Allende is described as a ‘small and talented flyer’

“I accepted without hesitation,” Allende said back in the summer when he arrived at Arsenal. “That you’re watching Arsenal, one of the best clubs in the world, it’s very cool.

“Being very realistic the differences are many in that Arsenal have everything, whatever, you care for.”

He also revealed that Alexis told him to hit the weights. “The other time I came, I could be with him [Alexis], [he] treated me really well.

“I was invited to watch a game because he was just injured. I saw him almost every day, we talked a lot, he was very happy.

“He wondered if I was happy. I told him [it’s] obvious that any child dreams of being at Arsenal.

“He told me ‘Do weights.’”

Turning 18 this week, Arsenal are now free to offer him a contract and will be hoping that they have done enough to keep him from being attracted elsewhere.

Having captained Chile’s u17 side in the most recent World Cup, Allende stood out as one of the tournament’s most technically gifted players. Despite a quarter-final defeat to Mexico, he earned a move after the tournament from boyhood club Cobreloa to Deportes Santa Cruz.

Many have compared him to our very own Alexis Sánchez, but there aren’t many similarities.

Apart from being comfortable with the ball at his feet and showing good composure in front of goal when chances are presented, there are plenty of differences between the two.

As he told FIFA’s official website on the eve of 2015 World Cup, “I’m a fast thinker and always try to have the play mapped out before I get the ball – then just take a touch. I also like splitting the lines with a pass… that gives me as much pleasure as a goal.” He also cited compatriot Jorge Valdivia and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi as his main rolemodels.

There will ultimately be questions as to whether he can develop into more of an imposing physical specimen as he continues to grow, but players like Santi Cazorla have shown in recent seasons that you can be diminutive and a playmaker.