Arsenal Transfer Rumour: Manchester City and Juventus monitoring Alexis Sanchez's situation at Arsenal
Arsenal talisman and Chile's main man, Alexis Sanchez has established himself as one of the most sought players in Europe with some consistent performances in recent years. His future has always been a talk of the town since his Udinese days and is expected to start a bidding war next summer with the likes of Manchester City and Juventus interested in the winger as a contract standoff between the player and Arsenal is rumoured to be ongoing at the moment.
The Chilean is currently enjoying a fine start to the current season and wants a substantial rise in his present £130,000 per week deal. Sanchez has a deal with Arsenal till 2018 and will have just one year left on his contract after the end of this season. It is said that talks between the two parties are happening since August as Sanchez's agent wants the next deal he signs to be the most lucrative of his career and wants that reflected in his salary.
Also Read: Alexis Sanchez, Philippe Coutinho and Eden Hazard toughest players to mark, says Martin Keown
The fact that there has been no conclusion yet in his contract talks, has alerted the likes of Juventus and Manchester City. Interested suitors know that if Sanchez decides against signing a new deal with the Gunners, Arsenal will have to sell their prized asset this summer otherwise, may see the Chilean leave on a free transfer. Arsene Wenger wants him to sign a new three-year deal along with Mesut Ozil and the club hopes that the duo will sign new deals by January.
Manchester City are said to be the favourites to land Sanchez as a result of manager Pep Guardiola under whom the Chilean played at FC Barcelona. Juventus were interested in him before he joined the Catalans but Sanchez was convinced of Barcelona's plans because of Guardiola who lured him to Nou Camp in a £26 million deal. “ He is a player who can play in three positions. " Guardiola had said when he signed the Chilean five years ago.
The Mirror has reported that a £50 million battle is set to start between Manchester City and Juventus next summer if Sanchez decides against signing a contract extension to stay at the Emirates. The 27-year old has an admirer in Pep Guardiola since long and with the Spaniard criticising City's failure to kill off their opponents, a duo of Aguero and Sanchez can be a deadly partnership. City's squad will be strengthened with the arrival of Gabriel Jesus in January after his move from Palmeiras.