Arsene Wenger hints at Alexis Sanchez central role

Alexis Sanchez celebrates his equaliser during the Premier League game between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal on March 5, 2016
© Getty Images
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hints that he could use Alexis Sanchez as a centre-forward this season having failed to add attacking reinforcements in the transfer window.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted that he could look to use Alexis Sanchez as a centre-forward this season.

The Gunners have been linked with moves for the likes of Jamie Vardy, Gonzalo Higuain and Alexandre Lacazette during the current transfer window, but they have so far failed to add to their attacking ranks this summer.

Sanchez led the line during the season-opening defeat to Liverpool, with Olivier Giroud still lacking match fitness after Euro 2016, and Wenger believes that the 27-year-old has the attributes to be a long-term option through the middle.

"I think yes. I think it is worth to try as he has the quality to go behind. On the flanks he uses a lot of energy by chasing back and I would like to use his energy sometimes a bit more efficiently by going behind the defenders as he is a good finisher. He has played centre forward at Barcelona. He is technically top," he told reporters.

"He has similar qualities [to Luis Suarez]. And he has a good timing to run behind the defenders. His run through in the first half when [Nacho] Monreal gave him the ball and he was just offside, a fraction. Let's see. It is interesting to see how well he copes with that."

Sanchez has scored 29 goals in 66 appearances for Arsenal since joining from Barcelona in 2014.

Olivier 'bonjour!' Giroud scores the second during the FA Cup game between Hull City and Arsenal on March 8, 2016
Read Next:
Wenger: 'More firepower required at Arsenal'
>

Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City22006246
2Manchester UnitedMan Utd22005146
3Hull City22004136
4Chelsea22004226
5Everton21103214
6Middlesbrough21103214
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs21102114
8Burnley21012113
9West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom21012203
10West Ham UnitedWest Ham21012203
11Liverpool210145-13
12Swansea CitySwansea210112-13
13Arsenal201134-11
14Watford201123-11
15Leicester CityLeicester201112-11
16Southampton201113-21
17Stoke CityStoke201125-31
18Sunderland200224-20
19Crystal Palace200202-20
20Bournemouth200214-30