Can Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez play Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi's role?

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez is keen to play the same kind of role Lionel Messi performs at Barcelona, the Chilean international said.

Sanchez, who played with Messi in Spain before moving to the Emirates Stadium in July 2014, has started in 11 of Arsenal's 12 league games so far this season, scoring six goals and supplying three assists.

"I like the way that Lionel Messi plays," Sanchez told Arsenal Player. "He likes to drop deep and let other players run on ahead of him, like Jordi Alba, Dani Alves and myself, when I used to play on the right there, and then look to find him in the middle again."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has built his attack around Sanchez, fielding him as the lone striker ahead of three attacking midfielders. "I like getting involved in the play more rather than chasing the ball. I like seeing lots of the ball because I have the chance to drop deep and that means I can link up with my team mates more," the 27-year-old said.

Olivier Giroud has been consigned to the bench for the most part this season but with Wenger keen to give Sanchez a break over the winter the French forward could find himself back in the starting line-up.

Arsenal, who are fourth, host 10th-placed Bournemouth on Sunday in the Premier League.