Romelu Lukaku Hints at Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United in Social Media Post

Christopher Simpson @@CJSimpsonBRFeatured ColumnistJanuary 16, 2018

Manchester United's Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku applauds the fans at the end of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Stoke City at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on January 15, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Oli SCARFF / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)

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A deleted Instagram post from Romelu Lukaku hinted at Alexis Sanchez arriving at Manchester United from Arsenal.

Twitter user The Red Devils (h/t Calciomercato.com) shared the image of a Chilean flag followed by an arrow pointing to a devil emoji:

The Red Devils @Chris_Lawro_
Recently deleted post from Lukaku’s Instagram account. Alexis Sanchez? https://t.co/AuPSEq1fil

According to Sky Sports News, United are prepared to spend £35 million to prise Sanchez from Arsenal and offer him over £350,000 per week, which appears to have fended off Manchester City, who were unwilling to match those terms.

Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol noted the impact Sanchez's yearly salary of over £18 million would have on their wage bill:

Kaveh Solhekol @SkyKaveh
If Alexis Sanchez moves to Man United, they’ll be spending £58m a year on wages for just 4 players - Sanchez + Pogba + Lukaku + Zlatan

However, Red Devils legend and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville believes it still represents good business for the Manchester outfit:

Gary Neville @GNev2
Morning. On the Sanchez deal “ people “should know that the wages are not important . It’s the cost of the overall package . All clubs will depreciate a player over the course of his contract against the total of fee and wage. The fee is low relatively so it works out a good deal

What's more, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's time at the club will almost certainly come to an end in the summer if not before, with the Swede now aged 36.

United boss Jose Mourinho gave an update on the club's pursuit of Sanchez after they beat Stoke City 3-0 on Monday night, per Goal UK:

Goal UK @GoalUK
Jose Mourinho is not confident Manchester United will sign Alexis Sanchez ... but also not "unconfident" https://t.co/yDXIWF1m6t

Although Sanchez's form has left much to be desired this year, he could prove a sensational capture for the Red Devils.

The move away from Arsenal could reinvigorate him and allow him to return to the heights he displayed last season, when he scored and assisted a combined total of 49 goals.

That's the kind of firepower United need to give more of a challenge to City, and he would also provide a healthy boost to their UEFA Champions League campaign, too.

Lukaku's post has added fuel to the speculation, but United fans will be hoping for more concrete developments in the coming days.