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Ex-Arsenal, Manchester United man 'to become free agent at end of season'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 29 April 2024

Ex-Arsenal, Man Utd man 'to become free agent at end of season'

Inter Milan attacker Alexis Sanchez, formerly of Arsenal and Manchester United, will reportedly leave the Italian champions when his contract runs out in June.

A former Arsenal and Manchester United attacker is supposedly set to become a free agent at the end of the season.

Thirty-five-year-old Alexis Sanchez recently collected his 20th major honour of a distinguished career, as Inter Milan were crowned 2023-24 Serie A champions with victory over bitter rivals AC Milan.

The Chile international contributed two goals and four assists to the Nerazzurri's run to glory from 20 matches, in addition to scoring twice in eight Champions League contests as Simone Inzaghi's men lost to Atletico Madrid in the last 16.

Four of Sanchez's Champions League appearances came from the first whistle, but he has been a bit-part player in the Italian top flight, where he has been a starter on just five occasions in the current campaign.

Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez's deadly partnership up front has limited Sanchez's domestic minutes, and the 35-year-old's contract with the Italian champions expires at the end of the season.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the South American will bid his farewells to Inter when his deal runs out, and he is ready to embark on a new adventure in the twilight of his career.

🚨🇨🇱 Alexis Sanchez will leave Inter as free agent at the end of the current season as expected, ready to try new chapter in the summer.

Stefano Sensi will also leave Inter on free transfer after #LCFC deal collapsed on January Deadline Day. pic.twitter.com/OpRmh7fkAA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 29, 2024

Sanchez will be departing San Siro for the second time this summer, as he previously turned out for the Nerazzurri from 2019 to 2022, joining on a free transfer after his failed spell with Manchester United.

The attacker spent one year with Marseille in the 2022-23 campaign before making a swift return to Italy, and his total for Inter stands at 24 goals and 27 assists from 139 matches across all competitions.

What next for Sanchez ahead of Inter exit?

With Romano stating that Sanchez is looking to try something new this summer, the Chilean's departure from Inter may signal the conclusion of his career in European football, where 15 of his 20 major honours have been won.

Best remembered for his excellent exploits with Arsenal, with whom he scored 24 goals in the 2016-17 Premier League during a terrific individual campaign, the 35-year-old first rose to prominence with Barcelona, but his ill-fated spell at Man United is best consigned to the history books.

Sanchez remains an integral member of the Chile setup, though, and is expected to play a prominent role in this year's Copa America, after which his club situation will need to take precedence.

A return to his homeland will no doubt be mooted for Sanchez, who left Colo-Colo all the way back in 2007 to join Udinese, while he also had a brief stint at River Plate in Argentina.

Alternatively, the attacker could be targeted by Saudi Pro League sides or teams in MLS, where a possible switch to Inter Miami would see him reunite with former Barca teammates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.