Nacho Monreal has compared Alexis Sanchez to NBA superstar, LeBron James.

Monreal reckons that, like the Cleveland Cavaliers forward, Alexis is not only one of the best players in the Premier League, he’s also one of the most valuable, hard-working men at Arsenal.

“I think Alexis Sanchez is the LeBron James of the Premier League,” said the defender.

“He is one of the best players in the league and I have the opportunity to train with him every single morning.

“I know how competitive he is, a trait that he shares with King James himself.”

Monreal’s obviously a basketball fan since he refers to the 13-time NBA all-star as ‘King James’.

It’s certainly a flattering comparison since the 32-year-old is considered one of the best players to ever set foot on the basketball court and has been named MVP four times.

Alexis may not be as decorated as James but I see what Monreal means when it comes to importance to the team. Although the 28-year-old hasn’t exactly been on fire this season, when he turns it on, he’s unplayable.

Last season, the forward netted 30 goals over all competitions and even when he wasn’t firing on all cylinders, he was still a fantastic player for the side, creating 78 chances.

Most recently, Alexis scored his second Premiership goal of the campaign against Tottenham at the Emirates, helping the Gunners to a 2-0 win when no one expected them to get anything from the clash.

However, all Monreal’s comparison does is highlight how disappointing it is that Alexis is probably leaving at the end of the season, if not in January.