Ex-Gunner close to re-signing for his old club | OneFootball

Alexis Sanchez is close to rejoining Udinese, effectively agreeing a deal with the club on his own, according to a report.

UDINE, ITALY: Alexis Sanchez with Udinese Calcio in action during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and AS Bari at Stadio Friuli on March 6, 2011 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Gianluca Di Marzio reports that former Arsenal winger Alexis Sanchez is close to returning to another one of his old clubs – Udinese.

Sanchez reportedly called Udinese on Monday morning to let them know he wants to play for them, and he’s effectively closed the deal on his own.

The player’s agent will now get involved to iron out the contract details, but the move is expected to be confirmed within a week.

Marseille’s Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez controls the ball during the French L1 football match between Marseille (OM) and Montpellier at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, on March 31, 2023. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Sanchez had also previously been linked with Marseille, but that deal was always going to be difficult financially.

The Chilean had initially left Marseille for Inter Milan due to the fact the club couldn’t afford both his and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s wages.

Aubameyang has since left, but he’s being replaced by a number of new signings, including potentially Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah.

CARSON, CALIFORNIA: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal FC reacts against AFC Bournemouth during a pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

Sanchez played for Udinese early on in his career, spending three seasons with the club between 2008 and 2011. He scored 21 goals and assisted 20 in 112 games for them.

After that, the forward spent three-and-a-half seasons with Arsenal, winning two FA Cups before leaving for a trophyless stretch with Manchester United.

Most recently in 2023/24, Sanchez scored four goals and assisted five in 33 games for Inter Milan.