CITY Pep faces summer fight for in-demand Sanchez
ALEXIS Sanchez has sparked a scramble for his signature this summer as his contract stand-off at Arsenal rumbles on.
Pep Guardiola is leading the chase for the Chilean international, with City prepared to launch a £50m bid.
But Jose Mourinho has also identified the 28-year-old as a potential target for United.
Here, we weigh up the Arsenal forward’s options this summer.
CITY GUARDIOLA has made no secret of his admiration for Sanchez, who he signed for Barcelona in 2011.
City have wasted no time in registering their interest - with the club believing they had to make their move for a player whose future remains so uncertain.
Guardiola is determined to strengthen his attack in the summer - raising further questions about Sergio Aguero’s position at the Etihad. Sanchez’ ability to attack from wide areas or deep - as well as his deadly finishing - has convinced Guardiola he can fit into an attack alongside Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling.
With Sanchez believed to favour a reunion with Guardiola, City appear to be in pole position.
UNITED LIKE Guardiola, Mourinho has bemoaned his side’s lack of cutting edge this season.
He has made Antoine Griezmann his top target this summer - but United, too, have indicated an interest in Sanchez.
It’s hard to see Mourinho moving for both - and with Griezmann the priority, Guardiola will have the chance to steal a march in the race for the Arsenal man.
But United showed their financial muscle last summer with the world record £89m signing of Paul Pogba.
If Griezmann opts to stay at Atletico Madrid, they could quickly turn their full attention to Sanchez.
CHELSEA SANCHEZ’ desire to live in London was believed to give Premier League leaders Chelsea the edge.
But reports in Chile claim Guardiola has tipped the balance in City’s favour. With Diego Costa expected to leave at the end of the season, Chelsea will move for a world-class striker.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has told sources close to him that a move to London appeals, which could prompt Chelsea to test Borussia Dortmund’s resolve.
PSG HEAVILY-LINKED with Sergio Aguero earlier in the season, M.E.N. Sport revealed the French champions would prefer a wide player, capable of operating through the centre.
With Edinson Cavani their first choice up front, they are looking for someone to support the Uruguayan, not replace him.
Sanchez fits that description perfectly - and Arsenal would likely rather sell abroad than to a direct rival. Much then would depend on PSG outbidding their Premier League rivals.
CHINA THE mega money on offer in the CSL has lured Carlos Tevez, Ramires and Hulk to the Far East - but couldn’t persuade Wayne Rooney to move in February. Would Sanchez really be tempted at this stage of his career?