Wenger Justifies Big-Money Move for Sánchez, Citing Versatility and Messi Factor
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has offered a detailed explanation for his decision to invest nearly $40 million in Chilean international Alexis Sánchez, suggesting the player’s time at Barcelona was limited by the presence of Lionel Messi.
Speaking to the media about the summer signing, Wenger highlighted Sánchez’s pace, adaptability, and sharp movement as key reasons behind the hefty transfer fee. “I chose him because he has similar qualities to [Theo] Walcott—he likes to get behind defenders,” Wenger said. “I also like the fact that he can play on the left, right, or up front. The quality of his runs will be a real plus for us. It will hopefully make us a more dangerous opponent.”
Wenger acknowledged that Sánchez never fully reached his potential at Barcelona—not due to a lack of talent, but because of the structure of the team around superstar Lionel Messi. “I had already spotted him at Udinese. He’s a goalscorer, a good finisher who left a good impression on me during his matches in Italy,” the French manager explained. “In Barcelona, it was more complicated for him, but the problem is the same as with Neymar: in Barcelona, there’s Messi.”
Sánchez, 25 at the time of the move, was one of the standout performers for Chile during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Despite flashes of brilliance in Spain, he struggled to become the central figure in Barcelona’s star-studded front line. Wenger believes that Arsenal can provide the platform the forward needs to thrive.
The signing is viewed as a major coup for the North London club, as Wenger looks to build on last season’s FA Cup triumph and mount a more serious challenge in the Premier League and Europe. With Sánchez’s dynamic attacking play and proven track record in Italy and Spain, Arsenal fans will be hoping he delivers on his promise at the Emirates.
