Manchester United failed to sign a winger during the summer transfer window. Names like Gareth Bale and Ivan Perisic were linked with moves to Old Trafford. But in the end, The Red Devils could not close a deal despite their efforts. Early-season results have shown the team perhaps did not need to sign one, but don’t tell that to Jose Mourinho. The manager is keen to land another wide player at all costs in order to increase the team’s depth. And based on recent reports, the Portuguese tactician is keen to make a move for one of the most dynamic wingers in the English Premier League during the January transfer window: Alexis Sanchez.
The Arsenal star came close to join Manchester City, but the move did not complete and the Chile international remains at Etihad Stadium. But considering his contract ends at the end of the season, United could snatch him up if he agrees to sign a pre-contract with the Old Trafford side during January next year.
Tactical Flexibility
There is no doubt United would become a much-improved team with the presence of Sanchez on the squad. The Chilean star did not start the campaign on the best form, but he scored an impressive strike against FC Köln last week in the UEFA Europa League. And he is coming off a season in which he scored 30 goals with 19 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions for The Gunners last term. Any team in the world could use that kind of attacking firepower as a January signing.
Furthermore, he would fit perfectly in Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1 system. Considering Alexis can play all over the attacking third, his presence would give Mourinho lots of options to assemble the attacking trio. He can operate on both flanks as an inside forward, but that’s not his only role. He also featured as a False 9 between the centre-backs. At times was seen as a sort of attacking midfielder behind a stronger forward as well. Can you imagine, for instance, Sanchez playing alongside Romelu Lukaku or Zlatan Ibrahimovic? No defense in the world could stop that attack.
How Much Would Sanchez Cost?
Sanchez is valued at €60 million per Transfermarkt. However, United could sign him for a considerable discount fee in case they can’t reach a pre-contract agreement with him. But United are determined to get him for free. They would be willing to offer a signing bonus of around €25M to sweeten the deal.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal extends Alexis, or if the Chilean ends up leaving the side for good. But United are not going to back down in his pursuit, and they are expected to be major players in the race to sign one of the best forwards in the English Premier League over the past three seasons. For what is worth, Alexis is 14/1 to join United before the end of the January transfer window.
His arrival would certainly be enough to put United over the top at both the domestic and European level. That’s saying something, considering how good this season has been for The Red Devils.
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