At long last, Alexis Sanchez is showing signs of a return to form.
Over Inter Milan’s last two Serie A games – wins against Torino and SPAL – the Manchester United loanee has contributed with a goal and three assists.
This brings the Chilean’s overall contribution to three goals and eight assists in seventeen league games for Antonio Conte’s side.
Not only that, Sanchez has looked back to his energetic and vibrant self on the pitch for some time now. A player reborn, we take a look at the options for the 31-year-old as the upcoming transfer window draws near.
What Next for Alex Sanchez?
A Return to Manchester
A far less unlikely prospect than it was last August, Sanchez could have another crack at succeeding at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Jadon Sancho to be his side’s attacking signing this summer. But with Dortmund refusing to back down on their £100m asking price, United could be priced out of any transfer.
This would leave room for Sanchez to return to Old Trafford. What’s more, Solskjaer has clearly not given up on the player. The manager told reporters in January that the player would return to United and “prove you all wrong”.
Additionally, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has said the Old Trafford club is not “immune” to the economic ramifications of Covid-19, so recalling a player already on their books would make financial sense as well. After all, Sanchez remains a player of great Premier League pedigree following his tremendous spell at Arsenal.
Staying in Milan
Antonio Conte certainly wants Sanchez to stay put. Inter’s manager described the Chilean as his “extra weapon” after that win against Spal.
With reports suggesting that Inter can retain his services for as little as £18 million, this is an option the Nerazzurri will be pursuing.
Describing the forward as a “rediscovered footballer, with the right hunger”, Conte knows that a fit and firing Sanchez is an asset to any side.
Sanchez himself looks happy to be there. It would be no surprise to see his temporary stay in Milan become permanent.
Seeking a New Chapter
Sanchez is a player with a wealth of European experience. Having played for Udinese and Barcelona, before moving to Arsenal, Manchester and Milan, the player is known to be open to new challenges.
His parent club United would not stand in his way if he wanted to find pastures new. It is worth remembering that this was the whole point of his loan to Inter in the first place.
Back in August, when there appeared no hope of an Old Trafford revival, United wanted Sanchez to rediscover his touch elsewhere to drive up the asking price for an expected transfer away this summer.
In that respect, it has been mission accomplished for both club and player, and the door can be opened for Sanchez to make a permanent exit.
There are multiple options for Alexis Sanchez now. Manchester United may yet want him back. Inter Milan most certainly will. Perhaps the man himself could walk away from them both.
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