Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez, who is a priority target for Manchester City.
According to The Sun, Jose Mourinho is eyeing a highly controversial hijack of Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean has been linked with a move to Manchester City and with the Citizens primed to land the player when his contract ends in the summer of 2018, the Red Devils are aiming to beat their neighbours to the attacker.
Alexis Sanchez has been linked with an exit from Arsenal throughout the summer. With reports iterating the rejection of multiple contract offers from the Gunners, there was speculation linking the player with a move to Manchester City – a reunion with Pep Guardiola that would cost the Citizens around £50 million.
The deal, though, never happened and Alexis Sanchez ended up staying at Arsenal. The Chilean though has not yet signed an extension and is likely to leave the club on a free transfer in the summer of 2018. Manchester City remain the favourites but there has been an interesting twist in the transfer saga.
Arsenal could make a fresh move for Raheem Sterling in January, with Alexis Sanchez heading to Man City in exchange. (Source: Daily Mirror) pic.twitter.com/RjlVitGGwg
— Football Transfers (@TransferTrends) September 21, 2017
The latest reports indicate that the clubs have been quoted a £25 million signing fee – something United are considering to meet and land the Chilean once his Arsenal deal expires. According to rules governing Bosman transfers, players can sign pre-contracts from January.
However, Manchester United can only do so in the summer of 2018 as the the player plays in the Premier League as well, which is prohibited. However, as per the report, an agreement could be made between the parties involved which would see the deal go through in the summer.
Jose Mourinho has been calling out for a wide attacker throughout the summer and with the Red Devils’ failure in the pursuit of Ivan Perisic, the Portuguese might shift his attention to Alexis Sanchez, who had preferred a move to Manchester City, though.
At Etihad, Pep Guardiola has seen Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero gel in well together and cause mayhem on the field, which could make him rethink on his stance of pursuing Alexis Sanchez. Even if he does want to pursue, United can challenge City financially and otherwise for Sanchez.
Mourinho will be able to offer assurance over his role at Old Trafford as well. Hence, this may come down as a personal decision for Alexis Sanchez and the signing-on fee could make a real difference, something United are more than willing to offer.
