Manchester United could be in line to sensationally hijack Manchester City’s pursuit of wantaway Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez.
According to The Sun, Manchester City, who were favourites to land Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez, could be the subject of a sensational late hijack from their neighbours Manchester United. The Red Devils have been offered the services of the Chilean as his attempts to force a move away from Arsenal continue.
Alexis Sanchez has been locked in a contract standoff with the club ever since the player entered the last 18 months of his deal at Emirates. The reports stated that the player wanted pay parity with the other superstars plying their trade in the Premier League.
But, the latest developments have seen the Chilean refuse multiple new Arsenal contracts – the latest deal would have seen him pocket £300,000 per-week at Emirates. Hence, it is becoming clear that money is not the only reason behind his refusal to sign a new deal.
Arsenal will only let Alexis Sánchez join Manchester City on deadline day if the Thomas Lemar deal can be agreed. (Source: Guardian) pic.twitter.com/1RciyUAsRF
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 30, 2017
The 28-year-old is keen to move on, with Arsenal failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, let alone challenge for the title, despite a brilliant season by the Chilean on an individual level – Alexis recorded 30 goals and 19 assists in 51 appearances last season.
Manchester City has long been touted as the destination for Sanchez, should he end up leaving; or rather, should Arsenal let him leave. Pep Guardiola has the pick of the lot when choosing his attack every game.
The likes of Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero are names that excite every neutral.
But, the former Barcelona manager is still keen on a reunion with Alexis Sanchez, whose addition will make City one of the most lethal attacking units in world football – even more so than they currently are.
Sergio Aguero could leave Manchester City if they sign Alexis Sanchez.
The latest gossip is in: https://t.co/434oilwM7B #MCFC pic.twitter.com/k9RqCXUZqI
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 30, 2017
But, his arrival may cause a bit of problems with the roster, with too much competition for the attacking places up for grabs every matchday. Hence, there have been talks of a player-plus-cash deal for Sanchez involving Raheem Sterling, which would be amicable for both parties.
However, there could yet be a twist in the tale, with reports that the player has been offered to Manchester United, who are pondering on whether to move for the Chilean.
Jose Mourinho has not hidden his wish to reinforce the wide attacking area, with Ivan Perisic and Gareth Bale being pursued throughout the summer. But, to his disappointment, both the players seem to be staying put at their respective clubs, which may see the Portuguese sanction a move for Sanchez.
Again, though, the arrival of Sanchez may push Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial down the pecking order, especially with the renewal of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, which may not go down too well with the United faithfuls and even the board.
The Chilean’s addition, on the other hand, will make Manchester United the overwhelming favourites for the title and it will be interesting to see whether Mourinho is willing to take the risk of a potential backlash from the fans in the case of Rashford or Martial.
