Steve Nicol says that Alexis Sanchez wouldn’t be an upgrade on Philippe Coutinho for Liverpool.

The Liverpool midfielder has been linked with a move to Barcelona in recent weeks, following Neymar’s departure for PSG. The Barcelona sporting director has confirmed that they “are negotiating” with Liverpool over Coutinho.

Some fans have called for the Merseyside club to use the money they’d receive from Barcelona on a deal for Alexis Sanchez, given the Chilean only has a year left on his current contract with the Gunners. However, former Liverpool player Steve Nicol has claimed that the club would be better off keeping Coutinho.

Speaking to ESPN FC Nicol said, “I don’t see it happening. I would rather have Coutinho. The guy, from absolutely nowhere, won games for Liverpool last season.”

Last season Coutinho scored 14 goals and provided nine assists for Liverpool in 36 appearances, in one of his strongest seasons so far for the club. Alexis Sanchez scored 30 goals and added 19 assists in his 51 games for the club.

Alexis’ total includes contributions to eight goals in eight games in the Champions League, a competition Coutinho is yet to score or assist in for Liverpool.

It’s hard to see how Nicol has come to the conclusion that Alexis wouldn’t win as many games for Liverpool as Coutinho did, but Arsenal fans certainly won’t be complaining if the club hang onto Alexis.

Since joining in 2014 the Chilean international has been a key player for the Gunners, scoring in multiple cup finals, and providing a consistent goal threat from either the wing or the centre-forward position.