Mathieu Flamini: 'Alexis Sanchez on par with Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie'

Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has claimed that Alexis Sanchez can prove as talismanic for the club as Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie once did.

The Chilean has enjoyed a solid start to his Gunners career, netting eight times in all competitions following a £35m summer move from Barcelona.

Henry and Van Persie registered 360 goals between them during their Arsenal spells, but Flamini - who played with both in North London - says that Sanchez is capable of emulating the former hitmen.

"From what we have seen so far of him, he is right up there [with Henry and van Persie]," the Frenchman told reporters.

"He is proving it in every game he plays, not just with his goals but the way he works for the team."

Arsene Wenger's side sit fifth in the Premier League table, nine points behind leaders Chelsea.