Sevilla manager, Jorge Sampaoli, has admitted that he would love the chance to work with Alexis Sanchez once again as rumours persist around the Chilean’s future at Arsenal.
Sampaoli managed Sanchez when he was in charge of Chile from 2012 to 2016. Moving to Sevilla in 2016, there have been many rumours linking Sanchez with a move there – rumours that have no basis in reality whatsoever.
Speaking to the media in Spain, Sampaoli said, “Alexis is among the best strikers in the world . I was lucky to be with him in a World Cup and to win a Copa América, and of course I would like to train him again.” These comments are bound to start that rumour train again.
So why wouldn’t Alexis go to Sevilla?
Well, firstly, we’re told Alexis wants loadsamoney. From the information I could find, Sevilla’s highest-paid players in 2015/16 earned around £5m per year – that’s about £92k-per-week – significantly less than Alexis earns at Arsenal. Alexis, the press tell us repeatedly without source or quote, wants £250k-per-week (or £200k, depending on the week). Former Arsenal man, Samir Nasri, is currently on loan at Sevilla. Earning £120k-per-week, City are heavily subsidising his salary.
Secondly, we are led to believe that Alexis wants to win things. Sevilla have won three trophies in the last seven years – all of which were the Europa League – a competition I’m sure Alexis doesn’t even want to compete in. Probably better than the FA Cup, though, so I’ll give them that. In the league they have finished 7, 5, 5, 9, 9, 5 in the last six years. They are currently third, five points behind Real Madrid, three behind Barca and five ahead of Atletico Madrid as they lose ground on the leaders and distance from Atletico. They have won La Liga once in their history. In 1945/46.
Thirdly, Sevilla’s transfer record stands at £12.75m. The highest amount they’ve ever paid for a player is £34m for Falcao back in 11/12. They’ve paid over £30m for a player twice.