Arsenal identify long-term Sanchez replacement in South America

Arsenal plan to sign Boca Juniors starlet Cristian Pavon in the summer after identifying him as a long-term replacement for Alexis Sanchez, reports The Independent.

The Gunners are resigned to losing Sanchez in one of the next two transfer windows but are already putting plans in place to sufficiently replace the Chile international.

Arsene Wenger has already ruled out a move for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but it has now emerged that Arsenal’s real target plays for Boca.

The Argentinean giants are reportedly willing to part ways with Pavon but only if the bidding starts in excess of £20m and accounts for any future success the 21-year-old enjoys in his career.

However, Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s team have categorically ruled out his departure this month as Boca are fully focused on success in South America’s version of the Champions League, the Copa Libertadores.

The Argentina international has scored three goals and registered five assists in 12 league games at the halfway stage of the 2017/18 Superliga campaign.