Chelsea Wants Alexis Sanchez

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Chile boss Jorge Sampaoli has reportedly told Chelsea to signArsenal star Alexis Sanchez if they want him to take over at Stamford Bridge.

According to Spanish outlet Don Balon, (h/t Metro's GeorgeBellshaw), Sampaoli "would demand" the Blues recruit his national team star.

Bellshaw's report notes the forward could cost Chelsea £50 million, while Sampaoli is seeking to leave his post as La Roja's manager despite guiding them to the Copa America last year. He said:

In this environment I would not want to work or live in the country.

I never imagined in such little time the image of an idol who gave a lot to Chilean football could be destroyed.

I am frankly disappointed and in these conditions I cannot keep leading the team when my mind is elsewhere.

After his success with Chile, the Argentinian is likely to be in demand if he becomes available, and the Blues will be on the hunt for a new manager in the summer when the sun sets on Guus Hiddink's second spell at the club.

Hoping to sign Sanchez is understandable, as the 27-year-old has been in stunning form with Arsenal since arriving in 2014. In 72 games with the Gunners, the forward has scored 34 goals and assisted 18.

Football writer Miguel Delaney and sports journalist Jonas Giaeverrightly deem him a world-class talent:

Would Arsenal ever sell Sanchez to Chelsea?

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Arsenal and Chelsea have some history in selling players to one another, with the pair swapping William Gallas and Ashley Cole back in 2006 and Petr Cechswapping Stamford Bridge for the Emirates last summer, but the Gunners will be loath to allow their rivals to sign one of their biggest stars even for a huge fee.

Nothing is impossible, of course, but Sanchez heading to Chelsea would be one of the most sensational and unlikely deals of the summer.

In other news, Blues left-back Baba Rahman will be staying put at Chelsea despite struggling to make an impact with the club following his move at the start of the season.

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According to Duncan Wright in the Sun, Rahman's advisor, KurtOkraku, told Ghanaian radio: "There is nothing lined up for now. He is certainly going to stay at Chelsea."

The youngster was a promising arrival in the summer after impressing with Augsburg last season, per WhoScored.com:

Sky Sports' Alex Chaffer described the defender as "raw," though:

Indeed, "raw" is the exact word used by Wright in his report, with the 21-year-old struggling to make an impact in his nine short appearances for his new club.

Sports broadcaster Thierry Nyann understands why he has not been utilised much, even with interim boss Hiddink arriving in December:

The Blues will be wise to keep hold of Rahman, though, as the Ghanaian still holds much potential—which prompted them to pay £17 million for him in the summer, according to Wright—and should be given time to adapt to his new surroundings.

Coming into a struggling Chelsea side was never likely to bring out the best in Rahman, but given time and with the Blues slowly returning to form, he can still shine in English football
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