According to various reports Arsenal’s squad have become increasingly annoyed by the Alexis Sanchez situation and many of them probably wouldn’t shed a tear if he leaves the Emirates this month.

The Gunners board and manager Arsene Wenger might be willing to cash in on the want away star, instead of getting zilch for the Chilean in the summer.

With Manchester City seemingly ruling out a move for the player due to excessive monetary demands, it now looks as though Manchester United might swoop in for the forward.

In fact the Old Trafford club are now 2/7 favourites in the betting markets to become Sanchez’ next employer. If you want to put money on that, then head to Bonus Expert for the best offers available.

It might not be plain sailing for Jose Mourinho if he’s going to complete the deal to bring Alexis in before the end of the transfer window.

First off, he needs to convince the attacker that United offer him the perfect platform for his abilities and a place where he can win trophies.

The reason Man City appealed to Sanchez was Citizens boss Pep Guardiola. The two worked together at Barcelona and Pep’s free flowing attacking style would suit Alexis down to the ground.

Mourinho on the other hand is seen as a more pragmatic coach, one who probably demands more from his stars defensively than Guardiola would expect.

Then Alexis would need to find out where Jose was going to play him.

At Arsenal, the Chilean international has been mainly deployed through the middle as a number ten. He could get that role at Man Utd behind Romelu Lukaku but he may worry that the Red Devils manager might stick him out on one of the wings, where he’s involved less and isn’t quite as effective.

In fairness to Jose Mourinho, he’s making a big play for Sanchez and has been very complimentary about the player in the press:

‘What we believe really is there are some players in football world if you have the chance to sign them in January, in March or in July, you have to try and that’s it.’

‘But in relation to Alexis Sanchez I don’t say a word, the only word I can say is he is a phenomenal player, apart from that an Arsenal player and I feel I shouldn’t say much more than this.’

You then have to factor in Man United playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

According to the Armenian’s agent he’s being used as a makeweight in any move for Sanchez and if he decides against going to London then the deal is off.

Obviously it makes sense for both teams if they can trade the pair. Mkhitaryan has great talents and can unlock defences, he’s a player that Wenger would fancy in his team. While United could lower the transfer fee and offload a major earner off the wage bill.

I personally don’t think the move hinges totally on Henrikh agreeing to the move but I can’t see why he’d stay at Old Trafford if he knew his playing time was going to be severely limited.

Are Man City just biding their time? They have said they won’t pay over the odds but they might be hoping that Alexis’ urge to play for Pep again. Chelsea are also said to be monitoring the situation.

If I were a betting man, I think money might talk this month and United will get their man but we might see a few more twists yet!

Posted on January 17th, 2018 by scott
Filed under: Article