World-class manager tells Roman Abramovich he will join Chelsea if they sign Arsenal star

JORGE SAMPAOLI had told Roman Abramovich he will join Chelsea if they sign Alexis Sanchez, according to stunning claims in Spain.

 

Jorge Sampaoli manages Alexis Sanchez as Chile boss

 

Chelsea are searching for a permanent successor to Jose Mourinho, with interim boss Guus Hiddink confirming he will move on in the summer.

The Blues have been linked with a host of managers, with Pep Guardiola the No 1 target for owner Abramovich.

The Russian chief is also said to be considering Jorge Sampaoli - who led Chile to the Copa America title last year.

 

And Spanish magazine Don Balon report Sampaoli has told Abramovich he will join Chelsea if they can lure Arsenal ace Sanchez to Stamford Bridge.

The 55-year-old has managed Sanchez with Chile since 2012 and is reportedly ready to shun other offers to be reunited with him in west London.

But Arsenal would be loathe to sell their star man to their rivals, while there is no guarantee Sanchez would even want to leave for the Blues.

 

Sampaoli is a target for Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich

 

Sampaoli has also been linked with the Roma job as a replacement for Rudi Garcia.

Sampaoli is desperate to quit as Chile boss and has accused the country's new ANFP president Arturo Salah - who took over after former chief Sergio Jadue resigned amid a corruption investigation - of treating him like a hostage.

"In this environment I don't want to work, or even live, in the country anymore," he said.