Arsenal ‘could deploy Alexis Sánchez as central striker’

Alan Smith believes that Arsene Wenger could opt to deploy new signing Alexis Sánchez as a central striker for Arsenal next season.

The Gunners, who won the FA Cup last season, already have the likes of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who can play on the right wing.

He was Chile’s best player in Brazil with his pace and energy

Alexis Sanchez

And former Arsenal striker Smith feels that Wenger could well decide to play his new £35m signing centrally as an alternative to Olivier Giroud.

“You’ve got to be happy with it [Arsenal’s transfer business],” Smith told Sky Sports.

“Alexis Sánchez is clearly a world-class player. He was Chile’s best player in Brazil with his pace, energy and his willingness to work.

“At Barcelona he wasn’t an automatic starter and it will be interesting to see where Arsene Wenger plays him, because he’s got Theo Walcott on that side, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could play there as well.

“He could use him through the middle as an alternative for Olivier Giroud.”