Alexis Sanchez, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Anthony Martial and Malcom all involved in bonkers transfer saga… but which forward rules the roost?
ALEXIS SANCHEZ'S desire to leave Arsenal has kicked-off one of the most incredible transfer sagas the Premier League has ever seen.
Since failing to leave the club in the summer, when Manchester City came knocking, things have only become more complicated.
Out of contract in the summer, Sanchez was set to join Pep Guardiola and Co in a cut-price deal this January... before Manchester United swooped in.
Jose Mourinho's 11th-hour bid has seen United almost certainly become the Chilean's new home... sparking a mad scramble across Europe in the process.
First and foremost, Arsene Wenger knows he is losing Sanchez, meaning he is now playing hardball with potential suitors.
While the fee will remain fairly modest, at around £30million, it's the players involved causing a stir.
In return for a Sanchez deal, Wenger is demanding United send Anthony Martial - fresh from his goal in the 3-0 drubbing of Stoke - in return.
Meanwhile, Arsenal - disappointed by Alexandre Lacazette's slow start to life in England - are also lining-up a swoop for wantaway Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
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All the while, both the Gunners AND Man United are chasing Bordeaux wonderkid Malcom.
This begs the question: Which of the four forwards is best and which club will therefore get the better deal? Find out below...
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In terms of game-time between the four strikers, Martial has in fact made the most league appearances (21).
Despite that he ranks dead-last in minutes (997) and starts (12) - limited to something of a bench role this season.
Meanwhile, Ligue 1 ace Malcom leads the way in starts (17) and total minutes (1,552) as he leads the Bordeaux line.
Of course, scoring goals is important for a striker and it's Aubameyang (13) leading the way, despite only playing 15 times after falling-out with Dortmund chiefs.
Martial (8) comes in second, ahead of Malcom and Sanchez (both 7).
In terms of creation, Sanchez comes in last again, level with Aubameyang (both 3), with Martial (4) and Malcom (5) both ranking higher.
Brazilian youngster Malcom is also the most proficient on the ball this term, completing 66.7 per cent of his dribbles.
That's just ahead of Sanchez (62.5 per cent) and Martial (43.3 per cent) and miles ahead of Gabon star Aubameyang (17.9 per cent).
Passing-wise, Sanchez AGAIN takes the wooden spoon, completing just 72.5 per cent of all his passes.
Auba comes in third (76.7 per cent) with Malcom (80.9 per cent) and Martial (83 per cent) both more accurate with their play.
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So while Sanchez is the man to kick-off this entire saga, the stats would suggest he is arguably the worst of the four forwards - despite leading in chances created (51).
However, his attitude at Arsenal has long been questioned and you'd strongly consider a change of scenery would do wonders for his form.
Incredibly, it's young Malcom who tops most categories - with Martial and Aubameyang both contributing solid numbers.
Overall, it's clear each player has enjoyed a fine season and each player brings something different to the team.
All-in-all, there's no "best" player, it's all about how each star fits at their potential new home...