Alexis Sanchez has been Arsenal's stand-out player this season but question marks have surrounded about the Chilean's long-term future in North London, with many feeling the former Barcelona man will cut his ties this summer.

The two-time Copa America winner netted his 20th goal of the season in the Champions League on Tuesday night but was a frustrated figure come the final whistle, after Arsenal left the Allianz Arena with a 5-1 defeat to Bayern Munich.

That's intensified rumours that Alexis may be moving on but the superstar seems to have suggested that's not the case, with his recent post on Instagram.

No soy un "SUERTUDO" simplemente trabajo con esfuerzo y dedicación para estar hoy aquí y sonreírle a la Vida

Chelsea have been handed a major boost in their quest to sign Franck Kessie from Atalanta as the Blues target revealed he’s flattered by the interest of the Premier League leaders, The Evening Standard reports.

What’s the word?

20-year-old Ivory Coast international Franck Kessie has excelled with Atalanta this season, scoring six goals, and has seen interest in his services rise significantly- with Chelsea, Arsenal, Roma and Manchester United eyeing his signature.

Atalanta, who sit fifth in the Serie A standings and are vying for a spot in European football next term, will find it difficult to keep hold of Kessie’s services this summer as top-sides eye a swoop- and Kessie has given interested clubs a boost in their pursuit.

Chelsea, who are said to be plotting a swoop this summer, are regarded as the favourites for Kessie’s signature alongside Roma and the comments from the youngster will have gone down very well in West London.

What was said?

Quoted by The Evening Standard, Kessie has discussed interest from top-sides in Europe but also made it clear how much he’s enjoying life with his current side.

“I am very flattered that clubs of this level are interested in me. This proves that I’m having a good season, that I continue to progress. I don’t want to go too fast.”

“I don’t know if my club has received any offers. I’m under contract. We’ll see if we need to discuss anything. I like Bergamo. The city is nice, quiet, and I appreciate life in Italy, where I was well received.”

Should he move?

Kessie will face a big decision on his future this summer, particularly if Atalanta are successful in their push for continental qualification. Currently sat fifth, within the Europa League spots, Atalanta are just one point above Lazio and must fight AC Milan and Fiorentina for a top-five spot.

If Atalanta fail to achieve their aim, then the chances of Kessie moving on this summer will intensify. However, if they do reach the Europa League then the youngster should seriously considering remaining with his current employers for another season.

At Chelsea, and the rest of the interested clubs for that matter, Kessie will find chances of first-team football difficult to come by and that could hinder his development. Staying at Atalanta, meanwhile, could help him further his abilities in the coming years.

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Wayne Rooney’s future at Manchester United has been a hot topic throughout the season and more fuel was recently added to the fire via comments from Everton boss Ronald Koeman, who opened the door for a sensational return to Goodison Park.

Those comments have sparked plenty of debate as to whether Rooney would consider a return to his boyhood club and whether he would be a good fit back on Merseyside- with former Toffees defender Richard Dunne the latest to share his views.

Whilst others have questioned the motives behind the transfer, Dunne told TalkSport that Rooney could shine for a number of years yet and pointed at Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic as evidence to back-up his claim.

“It would be a great signing. There is a lot left in Wayne Rooney. He has obviously not had a run of games this year but in terms of fitness and ability that is not really in question. He just has to look at Ibrahimovic and see how strong and how good he is at his age, 35. Rooney is only 31.”

“It would be a great signing for Everton, if they can get him, but I’m sure there will be a long list of clubs who think Rooney can improve their side.”

Tied down until 2019, Rooney could be offloaded this summer as opportunities at Manchester United are becoming limited and he was a top-target for Chinese clubs during the first couple of months at 2017- and they could revive their interest in him this summer.

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They say you should never go back in football, but there are some exceptions to the rule. Paul Pogba’s second stint at Manchester United is inevitably going better than his first, whilst Didier Drogba’s cameo return to Chelsea got them over the line during the 2014/15 title race.

Tottenham Hotspur are no strangers to the re-signing game either; Robbie Keane returned to White Hart Lane and continued to produce the goods after six troubled months at Liverpool and Spurs spells acted as bookends for Teddy Sheringham’s Man United career.

With that in mind and the summer transfer window by no means as far away as it may seem, we have a curious question for Lilywhites fans; which former chargers would you like to see return to the club ahead of next season?

Let us know by taking part in the poll below, giving each player a thumbs up or a thumbs down, and we’ll publish the results later this week.

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Newcastle United are currently top of the Championship standings and look on course for an instant return to the Premier League.

The Magpies are seven points clear of third-placed Huddersfield Town with eight matches of the season remaining, and Rafa Benitez’s men are in pole position to win promotion to the top flight less than a year after they suffered relegation.

While there have been a number of impressive performers for the Toon this term, manager Benitez will already be thinking ahead to his transfer plans for the summer if the club does go up.

The Spaniard will know that some of his players are ready to make the step up, but others may not fit into the same category as the Tyneside outfit look to avoid the struggles they have suffered in the Premier League previously.

Here are five Newcastle players that would need to replaced if the club is promoted…

Vurnon Anita

The Dutchman has become something of a regular at right-back this season in the Championship, but after failing to impress in the Premier League – and following some disappointing performances this term – Rafa Benitez could be looking for a new full-back.

Anita struggled against 16-year-old Fulham left-sided player Ryan Sessegnon earlier this month, and that won’t breed confidence for the Spanish manager when he could come up against the likes of Eden Hazard in the top flight.

Paul Dummett

While the left-back is a consistent and committed performer for the club, Rafa Benitez may feel that he needs an upgrade in the position if the club is promoted to the Premier League in order to ensure that they don’t find themselves in another relegation battle.

Newcastle have already been linked with a move for out-of-favour Manchester United star Luke Shaw, which suggests that the Spaniard is already looking at potential signings at full-back – and potentially one that is a bigger threat going forward.

Yoan Gouffran

After often disappointing for the club when they were in the Premier League, the Frenchman made a promising start in the Championship this season which means that he has become something of a regular in the side under Rafa Benitez.

However, despite being an attacking threat earlier in the campaign – he netted three goals in his first nine matches in all competitions – the forward has scored just twice in 2017, and Benitez may not be convinced that the 30-year-old can make the grade in the top flight.

Mohamed Diame

Despite scoring the goal that took them to the Premier League, Diame never made an appearance there for Hull City after moving to St James’ Park in August.

Often deployed behind the striker by Magpies boss Benitez, the 29-year-old hasn’t impressed Toon supporters with some of his performances and just three league goals – something the player must be concerned about too after announcing his retirement from international football earlier this month.

Even though he has proven himself in the top flight before, it may not be enough to convince Benitez he could do the same next season.

Karl Darlow

While the former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper has established himself as the first choice goalkeeper at St James’ Park in the last few months, Rafa Benitez may be unsure as to whether he is consistent enough to make the step up to the Premier League.

It has been something of a rollercoaster year for Darlow – who had often found himself in and out of the team under Benitez until recently – but always seemingly liable to a mistake, the 26-year-old could find himself deputising for a new number one if the Magpes win promotion.

Do you agree, Newcastle fans? Let us know below.

Out-of-form Chelsea striker Diego Costa had told the club’s official website that he is enjoying playing for a “strong team” that is battling to win the Premier League title.

The Blues – who are seven points clear of second-placed Tottenham Hotspur going into the weekend’s matches – know they can move a step closer to regaining the trophy they won in 2015 when they face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday evening.

The 28-year-old will also hope to get back on the goal trail after a disappointing spell that has seen him score just twice in his last eight league matches.

Nevertheless, the Spaniard says he is enjoying his football at the current time.

He told chelseafc.com: “We are a compact, strong team.

“Playing right now is great. We are playing to win a championship.

“During the previous season I was out a lot of the time, either because of a suspension or an injury or for another reason. So this year I really want to play the remaining matches and enjoy myself here in Chelsea.”

Chelsea supporters were quick to have their say on the interview with the Spain international via social media, with many suggesting that he needs to up his game ahead of the trip to the south coast.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction to the interview…

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Leeds United suffered a second successive Championship defeat on Tuesday night, and fans are concerned that the club is going to throw away their play-off chances.

The Whites were beaten 2-0 by Brentford – a result that followed up a 1-0 loss against fellow top six side Reading on Saturday – which has left them just five points above seventh-placed Fulham with six matches of the season remaining.

Garry Monk’s side looked odds-on to secure their play-off spot just a few weeks ago as they beat current leaders Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 at Elland Road, but they have failed to find the back of the net since.

Despite their manager’s comments after the fixture at Griffin Park that his players won’t let their hard work this term “go to waste”, the supporters don’t seem to be convinced.

The Yorkshire outfit host eighth-placed Preston North End – who thrashed Bristol City 5-0 on Tuesday – this weekend.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction to Leeds’ latest setback…

According to an interview with the Peterborough Telegraph, Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony says Championship side Aston Villa aren’t “brave enough” to make a summer move for winger Marcus Maddison.

He confirmed that Villa scout Brian Little has watched the 23-year-old wide man on a couple of occasions this season, but that Maddison hadn’t enjoyed two of his better matches.

The Villans are almost certainly set to spend another year in England’s second tier following their 1-1 draw against Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium last weekend, which has left them 11 points from sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday with just five matches of the campaign remaining.

Manager Steve Bruce will already be looking at potential transfer targets as he looks to build a team that will challenge for automatic promotion next term, but it remains to be seen whether he will prove MacAnthony right or wrong.

Here are THREE reasons why Villa should make a move for Maddison this summer…

They need a winger

With Jordan Ayew and Ross McCormack leaving the club during the January transfer window and Jack Grealish suffering from injury, Villa have been short of options on the left-hand side of their attack in recent weeks.

Left-back Jordan Amavi has been deployed in a more attacking position than he is used to, and manager Steve Bruce will be looking to bring in a left-sided player that can have the same threat that Albert Adomah does on the opposite flank this summer.

Maddison certainly fits that bill as he is left-footed and can play on either wing or through the middle, and that versatility should convince the Midlands club to make their move.

His qualities

The 23-year-old has been one of the standout players in League One this season and there looks to be no doubt that he can make the step up to the next level.

Maddison has proved that he is both a goalscorer and a creator having netted eight goals and provided an impressive 15 assists in 37 league appearances this term.

Those are stats that will have impressed Steve Bruce as he looks to add some attacking flair to a side that have scored just 43 goals in 40 Championship matches themselves.

Price tag

While Posh chairman MacAnthony will want to get a good fee for his player, he will understand that his hand may be forced because interested clubs won’t be persuaded to pay a large amount for someone that has a year left on his current deal.

Villa spent more than £50m last summer and Steve Bruce will be keen to get better value for money this year considering three of those signings left during the January transfer window – a move for the League One star who has the potential to grow with the club would tick that box.

Do you agree, Villa fans? Let us know below.

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According to reports in the Daily Mail, Manchester City forward Nolito is said to be considering his future with the club because of a lack of playing time in recent months and he could look to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.

The 30-year-old was signed by Pep Guardiola last July from Celta Vigo for a fee of £13.6m and he is only one year into a four-year deal, but he could already be on his way out following a frustrating personal campaign – especially in recent months.

The Spaniard was a regular starter in the early stages of the season but despite making an impressive 31 appearances in all competitions for the two-time Premier League winners, the majority of those outings have come from the substitutes’ bench.

Toffees manager Ronald Koeman is keen to strengthen his attacking options this summer and he could do a lot worse than take a closer look at the Spain international.

Here are THREE reasons Everton should look to sign Nolito…

He can score and create

With Europa League football to look forward to next season, Everton will need strength in depth in attacking areas and bringing in Nolito can help them in that regard.

Despite limited game time with City, the Spaniard has shown his potential by scoring six goals and providing a further five assists this season this term – as well as hitting double figures in three consecutive seasons before moving to England – and he certainly has the ability to bring something to the first team both in the Premier League and in Europe for the Toffees.

The Toffees need new forwards

With the future of Romelu Lukaku uncertain, Arouna Kone already being announced as leaving the club at the end of the season following the expiry of his contract and Enner Valencia likely to return to West Ham United following a loan spell, Ronald Koeman needs new forwards this summer.

The Dutchman certainly would have been impressed by the performances of Nolito earlier in the campaign and despite a lack of playing time recently, he will know that the player can make a difference if he did move to Goodison Park.

He is versatile

The 30-year-old is able to play anywhere across the frontline and that versatility will make him an attractive proposition for Koeman and Everton should the forward leave City and choose to remain in England.

Naturally left-footed, the Spaniard could give the Toffees a different attacking dimension and be able to provide Romelu Lukaku – if he stays – with the support in the final third that he has missed at times this season when he has been left isolated up top.

Do you agree, Toffees fans? Let us know below.

It’s been the problem position so far this season: West Ham have been so lacking in the right-back spot that arguably the club’s most potent attacking player, Michail Antonio, has been forced to play there this year.

You’d like to think that will change this summer.

With a new stadium in place and starting to feel like home – especially after victory over Tottenham just the other week – it feel like the Hammers might be back on the straight and narrow, even if the impending summer transfer window brings back painful (maybe even humiliating) memories of last year’s attempts to sign Carlos Bacca, Alexandre Lacazette and Michy Batshuayi.

There’s no doubting the east London club has to dip into the market for a few new players, however. And a right-back is one of them.

And yet, full-backs are a sought-after commodity these days.

For one thing, the attacking width for many teams comes from their wide defenders getting up the pitch and making overlapping runs, whilst having full-backs with the ability to support the attack leaves open the tantalising possibility of playing with wing-backs – something the Premier League cool kids are up to these days. You get the feeling, though, any actual recognised right-back would feel like an improvement for the Hammers right now.

Bournemouth’s Adam Smith, rated at £2.13m by TransferMarkt.com, would seem like a good fit, too.

The first thing to clear up, though, would be his desire to actually play for West Ham United. He is, after all, a Leytonstone boy who has played for both Tottenham and Millwall in the past.

In this day and age, though, you’d think that wouldn’t be too much of a problem. Now an established Premier League right-back, he’s the kind of player West Ham could do with, and surely he’d be excited to play in front of 60,000 fans every week at the London Stadium.

Beyond his past, Smith has one quality in particular that Slaven Bilic may well find attractive: he isn’t injury prone.

That might sound laughable, but the Hammers have suffered massively with injuries this season to go alongside their other problems from wantaway players to new stadium teething problems. Adding injury to insult is what took the club into an unlikely relegation battle, after all.

Of Bournemouth’s 36 Premier League games so far, Smith has featured in 34 of them. No current West Ham player has played more minutes than the Bournemouth full-back.

His ability to play multiple games in a row is hardly the best reason to buy a new player, but it should certainly be taken into consideration when you have as many problems as West Ham have in keeping your current players fit.

Defensively, Smith has made 2.4 tackles per game this season, and only three West Ham players can beat that. Offensively, he has scored once and made five assists. Crucially, of the Hammers’ current squad, no one has more than that. Only Dimitri Payet, on six, beats it.

Even if you think just having the ability to play in all the games is a weak reason for West Ham to sign Smith, the stats seem to present a player who will fit into the squad quite well in what is already a problem position.

And instead of focusing on big name players who cost exorbitant fees, Bilic could make Smith a priority, bringing a local boy into the team and making his squad much stronger in the process.

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