Phil Thompson Thinks Alexis Sanchez Made a Mistake by Snubbing Liverpool to Join Arsenal

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson believes Alexis Sanchez made a huge mistake by joining Arsenal instead of moving to Anfield in the ongoing transfer window.

The Chilean international sealed his switch to the Gunners from Barcelona for a reported £35m fee. Brendan Rodgers' side and Serie A champions Juventus were believed to be among the interested parties but the 25-year-old forward opted to move to the Emirates instead.

The Reds are looking to strengthen their squad in many departments including the attacking role. Their star striker Luis Suarez has departed for Barcelona leaving a huge void for Rodgers to fill for the upcoming campaign.

But Thompson, who played for the Merseyside club as a centre-back for 13 years, has faith in what the former Swansea City boss is doing and backs him to sign quality players to strengthen his squad this summer.

"He has chosen to go to Arsenal for whatever means and that will be down to him. He doesn't realise what he has missed by not coming to Liverpool; the passion and the power that comes with playing for LFC, and the worldwide recognition that he would have," Thompson told Sky Sports.

"He's chosen to go to London and I think that will have been a big draw and I think that would have been the marquee signing. Arsenal have got that, but I like what Brendan Rodgers is doing."

"He's looking now for the quality players that fit in with his vision for Liverpool Football Club and that is what he's trying to get right.

"He's got a striker in Rickie Lambert and a younger one possibly in Divock Origi and then he is maybe getting more goals in midfield and more pace in the side."

"He is now looking at the centre-backs. I can see where he is trying to work from and he's trying to give us a good base. Who am I to argue with what he's done over the last two years for Liverpool?" the 60-year-old concluded.

Meanwhile, another former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher too expressed his disappointment on social media as the Merseyside club missed out on signing Sanchez. However, the 36-year-old lauded the Gunners' latest signing and highlighted the positions Rodgers needs to strengthen this summer.

"Great signing wish he'd chose Lfc! Still need to add CM,CB and GK," Carragher tweeted.