Also linked with a move to a Premier League rival is Alexis Sanchez. The little Chilean has stirred the rumour cauldron by suggesting that he wanted to remain in London, but ‘play for winners’. That seemed to be a dig at Arsenal, by suggesting they were not winners, but also a nod to Chelsea to suggest that he would like to play for them.

The quotes from Alexis come exactly a day after the Guardian reported that he is Antonio Conte and Chelsea’s number one transfer target for the summer. Arsene Wenger would surely be very reluctant to sell to a Premier League rival, but it appears that the player may force a move.

Here’s some reaction to the Alexis rumours…

If Alexis joins Chelsea I'll kidnap him, lock him in a room and make him watch Marley & Me forever.

— Gunnervision (@Gunner_vision) March 29, 2017

Considering we're financially stable, key players departing should be a rarity, let alone to rivals. Can't allow Alexis to join Chelsea #AFC

— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) March 29, 2017

If Arsenal let Alexis go to Chelsea then I'm finished with this club.

— TikiTakaConnor (@TikiTakaConnor) March 29, 2017

If Wenger signs a new deal and then the club authorise the sale of Alexis to Chelsea, you can expect an all out war in the fan base!

— Mr DT © (@MrDtAFC) March 28, 2017

Alexis going to Chelsea will hurt more than RVP

— Ö👑 (@MesutEra) March 28, 2017

With the likes of PSG, Bayern Munich and Juventus interested in the duo, Arsenal need to ensure they sell abroad rather than letting their stars join Premier League rivals. Letting either Ozil go to Manchester United or Alexis go to Chelsea would be terrible for Arsene Wenger’s reputation and Arsenal globally as a football club. The Gunners currently look a level below the rest of the playing field and letting their best players join Premier League rival surely just cements that status.