Alexis Sanchez close to joining Manchester City from Arsenal for £50m with Chilean’s relationship with Pep Guardiola set to tempt him to the Etihad

MANCHESTER CITY have taken a surprise lead in the race to sign Alexis Sanchez, according to reports in Chile.

Cooperativa claim that the striker’s days at the Emirates are numbered and he is close to agreeing a move to the Etihad.

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Sanchez’s ties to Pep Guardiola are said to have swung his decision, with the pair working together at Barcelona for three years.

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City would also be able to complete the deal for a cut-price £50million, as the Chilean’s contract expires in summer 2018 and Arsenal will be keen to cash in.

Any move to Manchester would come as a shock, with Sanchez previously indicating he would favour a switch to another London club.

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He said: “I am happy in London and I hope to finish my contract at Arsenal.

“I want to stay in a winning team and keep playing in the same city. I want to play in a team that has aspirations.

“I’m 28 years old, I still have a lot ahead of me. I am a player who takes great care of himself.”

The comments were seen as an indication that Chelsea was Sanchez’s preferred destination, although Tottenham are still in the running according to Ladbrokes.

And there could be more Manchester misery for Arsenal, with City’s rivals United now favourites to sign Sanchez’s fellow contract rebel Mesut Ozil.