It was – and still is – embarrassing that Liverpool gaffer Brendan Rodgers believes the only reason the Reds missed out on signing Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona was a geographical one.

I’m not doubting that the lure of London does play apart in a player’s thinking, however, you’d be a fool to think that the Chilean wasn’t persuaded more by the Emirates, the profile of the club, consistent Champions League football, FA Cup trophy, the players already in the squad and, most importantly, the chance to play under Arsene Wenger – something that Mesut Ozil cited as a main influence in him moving to north London.

Speaking ahead of our Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield, Rodgers has been ‘bigging up our main man, the former Swansea City gaffer said:

“Alexis Sanchez is a world class talent who we identified as someone who would have been perfect for us,”

 

“His profile would have been great. He is a brilliant player, he has outstanding quality and an even bigger work-rate, so we know he will be a threat at the weekend.

 

“But it was not to be and we move on. We know he has real talent, and he will be a difficult opponent when he play Arsenal.”

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