Manchester City are reportedly in the driving seat to land Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez this summer as the Chilean prepares for life after Emirates at the end of the season. The 28-year-old has had a brilliant season in the Premier League scoring 18 goals in leading Arsenal’s attack, but now with the club in shambles, there is a high chance of the South-American star leaving the club as soon as the season ends.
The development of his situation has alerted many big clubs across Europe. However, Pep Guardiola seems to be leading the race in landing his former player.
The Spaniard too hasn’t had a season worth remembering this year with the cash-rich club falling out of the title race as well as the Champions League despite bringing in big money signings like Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus, Ilkay Gundogan and John Stones. And Guardiola is determined to go for a total overhaul next season, making the team ready to challenge for all possible titles.
Pep Guardiola and Manchester United’s Jose Mourinho have both apparently contacted the Chilean personally of late in an attempt to convince him. And given Sanchez’s cordial relations with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager, his choice shouldn’t be difficult.
And Sanchez could bring into the City camp just what they are lacking – urgency. Guardiola’s free-flowing football has been difficult for the existing players to adapt fast and Sanchez having previous experience under him will be an easy fit. In his two seasons under the Spaniard at Barcelona, Sanchez had managed to score 15 goals and provide six assists. And now, with the player being able to express more in the England owing to his stint with Arsenal and the open nature of the League, he could be a real asset.
However, what makes the deal difficult is Arsenal’s whole view of the situation. The Gunners have previously suffered selling their players to direct rivals in the domestic league and they wouldn’t want to repeat the same mistake again. After a horrible season like the current one, the North London club would be fully committed to making amends and strengthening their opponents will definitely not be a part of that process.
Sanchez, however, has expressed his desire to stay in the Premier League which makes the move more complicated. His contract with Arsenal expires at the end of next season and if Gunners cannot convince him to extend it soon, they will lose him for free next season.
