Reports: Arsenal to hijack Manchester United’s €34 million move for winger to replace Alexis Sanchez

What’s the story?

Having become increasingly resigned to the fact that Alexis Sanchez will leave Arsenal, the Gunners have lined up Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano of PSV Eindhoven to replace him, according to multiple reports in the British Press. The Mexican international has been on fire this season, becoming the first ever player to score 7 goals in their first 8 games in the Eredivisie. Lozano only made the move to Netherlands this summer, having been widely expected to move to Manchester United. However, Arsene Wenger has authorised the Gunners to pay Lozano’s release clause of €34 million so as to ensure Arsenal are not too badly hurt by Sanchez’ inevitable exit.

In case you didn’t know...

Lozano spent his youth career at Mexican club Pachuca, before making his first-team debut at the age of 18. The 2016/17 season was his breakout year as Lozano went on to win the Golden Boot in the CONCACAF Champions League with 8 goals, as his side went on to win the tournament. In four seasons for Pachuca, Lozano made 149 appearances and scored 43 times.With clubs like Benfica, Manchester United and Manchester City interested, the Mexican international surprised many this summer with a move to PSV Eindhoven, for a paltry €8 million fee.

The heart of the matter

Given his storming start to the season, PSV are naturally reluctant to part with ‘Chucky Lozano’ who has quickly become a fan favourite. His form has been the main reason why the Dutch giants have had their best ever start to the season since 1999/2000.

7 - @HirvingLozano70 is the first player in history to score in 7 of his first 8 Eredivisie games. Sensation. pic.twitter.com/j6UNaBUiYs

— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) October 29, 2017

Lozano has continued his scoring form for Eindhoven, contributing to 15 goals (10 goals, 5 assists) in just 11 appearances for the club in all competitions. PSV have the advantage of having tied Chucky Lozano down to a six-year deal, however, a release clause of €34 million is a worry as Premier League giants could easily afford that. Arsenal chief scout Steve Rowley has already sent his approval along to Arsene Wenger after watching the Mexican earlier this season.

With Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil's contracts ending in the summer, the Gunners may cash in on one of the players in January, if they are able to bring in replacements. Arsenal can trigger Lozano's release clause, but may find negotiations difficult with the player, who previously admitted his admiration for Manchester United, saying "I believe many leagues are beautiful. I like the English and the Spanish very much. But let’s see how things are and decide. The one I would like most is Manchester. I like this club a lot and it’s a very important club."

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Author’s Take:

Arsene Wenger loves moulding a rough diamond, and Lozano perfectly fits the bill. His style of play is very reminiscent of a young Alexis Sanchez and if the Gunners are able to convince the Mexican international to move, they could pull off a real coup.