Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez has struggled massively in 2017 compared to 2016, according to the statistics

ARSENAL have faced a rocky 2017 so far.

From a procession of ‘Arsene Wenger Out’ protests, a 10-2 Champions League drubbing at the hands of Bayern Munich and a Premier League top four place slipping away, it’s been rough.

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On top of that Wenger is set to lose star duo Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the summer transfer window.

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While that has sent fans into a spiral of rage and depression, is it all bad?

After all, Sanchez has struggled mightily for form all year long… especially compared to his 2016.

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In the last calendar year, the Chilean forward averaged 0.71 goals and 0.35 assists per 90 minutes.

However, in 2017 so far, Sanchez has scored just 0.53 per 90 minutes, and down in assists too on 0.27.

The Arsenal striker has also been creating fewer chances per game, with just 2.22 compared to 2.71 in 2016.

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One tiny bright spot for the Gunners faithful is that Sanchez has been taking more shots per game at 4, compared to 3.36, this year.

However, it's cause for concern that the so-called world-class forward is putting fewer chances away, meaning his shooting may be more frequent, but also more wayward.

So, should Arsenal cash-in while his stock is still high? Or will they risk handcuffing to the club for another 12 months and watch his play deteriorate further?

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After all, Sanchez has hardly been the picture of happiness this term, as he has suffered a series of very public meltdowns, including an on-field strop against Bournemouth and a row with boss Wenger after being subbed against Swansea.

One thing is for sure, the future of Arsenal Football Club is very much in the air with so many crucial decisions to make this summer.