The Chile forward has been the standout star in north London since his €40 million arrival, and the 39-year-old feels he would have been the perfect replacement for Luis Suarez

Gary Neville feels Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez would have been the “perfect replacement” for Luis Suarez at Liverpool.

The Chile international was sold by Barcelona to make room for the arrival of Suarez for €86 million, allowing Arsene Wenger to secure the forward’s signature for €40m.

Sanchez has impressed since his arrival – boasting a team-high 14 goals and 30 chances created – and Neville feels the forward would have softened the blow of the Uruguayan’s exit with Liverpool’s form faltering since.

“[Sanchez] would have been an ideal replacement for Luis Suarez. Goals, tenacity, pressing from the front, loses the ball – it goes past him he runs back,” he told Sky Sports.

“Everything Liverpool would have wanted to replace Suarez, obviously you could argue he wouldn’t score the goals Suarez would score, but I think he would have been the perfect replacement for Suarez.

“It’s a real shame for Liverpool they didn’t get him, but a massive plus for Arsenal.”

Sanchez scored his 14th goal of the season on Wednesday night as Arsenal beat Borussia Dortmund to qualify for the Champions League knockout stage for the 15th consecutive season.