Why City must sign Sanchez

Sanchez perfect for City

Alexis Sanchez is Arsenal’s only player who has performed to the standard of a team with supposed title-ambitions. It seems increasingly clear that the Chilean wishes to leave the North London club, given their current predicament.

At 28-years-old, this may be the last couple of years during which he has the same pace and tenacity that can make him a world-class striker. He must use those years at a team that is likely to challenge for major honours. Manchester City, seven points above Arsenal with money to spend and a more popular man at the helm, look a more enticing proposition.

That move would be equally exciting for City. While Sergio Aguero is in excellent goalscoring form, he does not have the same yard of pace that he had two or three seasons ago. Pep Guardiola’s high-pressing system is best used with quick, athletic forwards who are willing to close down defenders, so as to stop opposition attacks early.

The Catalan boss also likes versatility in players and while Sanchez has excelled as a central striker with 17 goals there, he is comfortable drifting into wide areas. The forward’s contract at Arsenal runs out in the summer of 2018 and Arsenal may be willing to sell a world-class but unsettled player, rather than risk losing him for free. Pep, City and Sanchez could be a perfect marriage.