It is highly likely that Alexis Sanchez will end up in Manchester within the next 48 hours as confirmed by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in his post-match press conference following the Gunners’ disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth. Manchester City wants Sanchez but only on their terms while Manchester United are desperate to land the Chilean’s signature to provide Jose Mourinho’s men with a much-needed boost going into the second half of the season.
It is being reported that the Red Devils are prepared to pay £35m for the services of Sanchez this month with their noisy neighbours reluctant to dish out that kind of money for a player in the final six months of his contract. The Gunners are ready to part ways with their prized asset with the player not taking any part in their away defeat at Bournemouth.
Sanchez is set to earn a big money contract at either Manchester club but the opportunity of playing first-team football regularly would be a key feature in his decision. Manchester City already boasts the likes of Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero in their frontline so the Chilean captain is not guaranteed a place in Pep Guardiola’s starting eleven. However, he will be a key part of Jose Mourinho’s first-team at Old Trafford and could be deployed in the midfield or as a striker up top.
The Red Devils need to recruit Sanchez more than City and it clearly shows why they are ready to pay £35m for the attacker’s signature. Meanwhile, the Citizens are in the driver’s seat to secure another Premier League title this season and are currently leading the league by 15 points. Hence, they can afford to miss out on Sanchez and save some money for new additions in the summer.
The Chilean could, however, be a Premier League title winner at City this season while being reunited with his former manager Pep Guardiola who he played for at his time in Barcelona. The Spanish manager has also proven that he can help his players develop their game and so a move to the blue half of Manchester may entice the Chilean even more. It is no secret that Jose Mourinho wants his attackers to put in a shift in defence so there might not be enough freedom for Sanchez to express himself at Old Trafford. However, the 29-year-old will undoubtedly be a superstar for Mourinho’s men alongside Paul Pogba if they are successful in their efforts to lure him to the red half of Manchester.
It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of the Chilean international with both Manchester clubs serving as ideal destinations for his signature.
