Arsenal set to hand first professional contract to the ‘next Alexis Sanchez’ – Marcelo Allende

Arsenal are reportedly ready to hand a contract to Chile youth international starlet Marcelo Allende, according to the Daily Mail.

The Premier League side, who defeated West Ham United 3-0 on Wednesday night to move up to fifth place in the top-flight standings, have been linked with signing the highly-rated Deportes Santa Cruz.

The 17-year-old, who celebrates his birthday on Friday, has completed three successful trials with The Gunners and could be offered his first professional contract by Arsene Wenger on his latest milestone.

Allende has been dubbed the ‘next Alexis Sanchez’ and has impressed Arsenal on trial, training with Wenger’s first-team squad.

The attacking midfielder was named in Chile’s squad for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2015, before scoring twice in four appearances.

But it could be one talented Chilean in, and one out. Forward Sanchez has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer, with Premier League rivals Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea sniffing around the 22-goal star.