Arsenal forward named in Wenger’s Europa League squad

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has included Barcelona target Alexis Sanchez to the squad for this season’s Europa League competition.

The Chile international forward, who missed out on a summer transfer to Premier League rivals Manchester City on transfer deadline day, has been included in a 42-man squad list.

Manchester City had a £60million bid for the Chile frontman accepted on deadline day of the summer transfer window, but the move collapsed when the Gunners were unable to sign a replacement in Monaco’s Thomas Lemar.

Alexis Sanchez is added alongside England international midfielder Jack Wilshere and a couple of Arsenal youngsters including hot prospect duo Joseph Willock and Krystian Bielik.

According to Sky Sports, Pep Guardiola’s side will attempt and sign the Chilean again in January, and if a transfer does materialize, then the 28-year-old would be eligible to play for City in the UEFA Champions League, as per UEFA rules.

Article 44 of UEFA rules says: “For all matches (fixtures) from the start (beginning) of the round of 16, a club (team) may register a maximum (at most) of three (3) new eligible players for the remaining matches (fixtures) in the current (ongoing) competition.

“Such registration must be completed (finalized) by 1st February 2018 at the latest (minimum). This deadline cannot be extended (increased).