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Man City make Pep Guardiola promise over Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was determined to sign Alexis Sanchez, who is now a target for Man Utd

Manchester City have assured Pep Guardiola he will have the funds to sign a top class striker – if he misses out Alexis Sanchez.

The Etihad hierarchy are refusing to meet Arsenal’s £35m valuation for the Chilean, as well as the demands of his agent.

They are so determined not to back down that they are prepared to let Sanchez head to bitter rivals Manchester United this month instead.

But Guardiola – who City insiders say is in complete agreement with their stance – has been told money will be made available in summer for him to strengthen what is already the deadliest strike force in the Premier League.

And that will be significantly more than would be required to land Sanchez this month.

Atletico Madrid striker – and United target – Antoine Griezmann is one player admired by Guardiola, who was interested in signing the Frenchman last season.

He is expected to leave the Spanish club this summer – and should United sign Sanchez, they are expected to abandon their interest in him.

Barcelona have also tracked the French international, but the signing of Philippe Coutinho this month could lessen the Catalan giants’ need for him.

Guardiola was determined to be reunited with Sanchez, who he signed for Barca, during his time at the Nou Camp.

Having missed out in the summer, he was hopeful of concluding a deal this month.

But City believe the entire package is too much, after seeing Sanchez’ personal demands inflate, following United’s late intervention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger suggests his prize asset’s future will be decided in the next 48 hours, with Bordeaux’s Malcom expected to head to the Emirates as a readymade replacement.

Asked about City’s pursuit following the 4-3 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, Guardiola refused to be drawn on the subject.

“You know my answer about that, he’s an Arsenal player,” said the City manager. “I don’t talk about the players who are not in my team now.

“We have the squad we have. I don’t know what will happen in this transfer window and you have to finish with the players we have to finish.

“If you can buy someone because we have four competitions, a lot of games, we are going to try.

“I don’t think we are so clever or intelligent to analyse the result to see if you need (to make more signings).

“What we believe we have to do is (decided) from a long time ago, It doesn’t change after that result.”

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