Manchester City have lodged a sensational cash plus player bid for Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez which involves former Liverpool man Raheem Sterling.
According to the Mirror, there has been a sensational development in the transfer saga surrounding Alexis Sanchez. Manchester City, who have been touted as the favourites to land the Chilean, have made a sizzling cash plus player bid to Arsenal in order to get their target.
The player being offered, though, is Raheem Sterling and not Jason Denayer (according to early rumours). Arsenal do not wish to let Alexis Sanchez go but may be compelled to accept the inevitable as the Chilean has just one year left on his current deal; lest they risk a huge financial loss with the prospect of a free transfer looming large.
The exit rumours concerning Sanchez have grown multiple folds after Arsenal’s 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool on Sunday, with reports of the Chilean handing in a transfer request soon after – a report that Arsenal have denied.
Arsenal have denied claims Alexis Sanchez has handed in a transfer request https://t.co/KrB5Zp9N17 pic.twitter.com/y4FTWxA48N
— Sky Sports PL ? (@SkySportsPL) August 28, 2017
However, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reportedly Chelsea-bound and Liverpool in the lead to land priority Arsenal target Thomas Lemar, the departure of Alexis Sanchez could vanquish the entire strength on flanks for the Gunners, which makes the club’s hesitation to sell the superstar reasonable.
Raheem Sterling’s involvement in the transfer, though, could see City pull the deal off. Sterling would be a direct replacement for Sanchez and while he is yet to reach the same heights at City as he did at Anfield, the English international was a livewire last season and has started the present campaign with a bang.
Two crucial goals so far this season – the winner against Bournemouth and the equalizer against Everton – have seen the player being propelled to a starting role. But, Pep Guardiola’s insistence on a reunion with Sanchez could see him depart the club prematurely.
The swap is reportedly not going to be a direct one, with considerable outlay of cash also expected from City’s side. Arsenal, though, will prefer the cash plus Sterling deal over pure cash at this stage, with chances of landing a top-tier replacement looking bleak as at the present moment.
Arsene Wenger has so far remained adamant of Sanchez not being on sale, especially to a league rival. But, the Frenchman seemed distraught in the aftermath of the 4-0 defeat and he may think that wholesale changes to the dressing room is necessary to solve this emerging crisis.
Man City offer Raheem Sterling plus cash for Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez, per @johncrossmirror pic.twitter.com/e82q6Ab0Ni
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 29, 2017
In such a phase, it is better to let go of players that want to leave as keeping them may disrupt the harmony in the dressing room, which is one of the key catalysts of coming back from such a poor start to the season.
City, however, could become instant favourites for the title with the addition of Alexis Sanchez. Wenger now must decide what he wants to prioritize – his player’s wishes or the potential ramifications of obliging to it.
