Alexis Sanchez 'Determination' by Manchester City Amid Manchester United Rumours

Manchester City are reportedly "determined" to beat local rivals Manchester United to the signing of Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez. 

According to Jonathan Smith of ESPN FC, "Pep Guardiola's side are hopeful of success" in the chase for the Chile international, whose contract is set to expire at the Emirates Stadium at the end of next season "but face strong competition from United."

In the report it's also noted that Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are admirers of Sanchez, who is said to be poised to leave the north London club.

"Another source told ESPN FC that the Chile international is frustrated at the lack of quality at sixth-placed Arsenal, who are now in serious danger of missing out on Champions League football next season following Monday night's 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace," continued Smith.

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With City said to be "determined" to win the race for Sanchez's signature, the prospect of him lining up in sky blue next season will be a tantalising one for those who frequent the Etihad Stadium. After all, he's netted 18 goals and grabbed nine assists this term for the Gunners in league matches.

However, his standards have tailed off in recent weeks as Arsenal's form has nosedived. As noted by Sam Wallace of the Daily Telegraph, the forward has cut a frustrated figure as of late:

When Sanchez is in the right frame of mind, which he has been for the vast majority of his Arsenal career, he's a force to be reckoned with in the final third.

The former Barcelona man can do it all. Sanchez hustles tremendously off the ball, drags defenders into awkward positions with his razor-sharp movement and has the quality to make the most of the opportunities he creates for himself.

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Indeed, as a versatile forward, it's easy to see Sanchez slotting into this City setup with ease under Guardiola. And the prospect of him alongside the likes of Sergio Aguero, Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus is not a pleasant one for Premier League defenders. 

Although City have plenty of attacking talent on their books as it stands, journalist Shane Burns can understand why Guardiola would go for Sanchez:

"

City fans question why Pep would want Alexis. Well, Navas and Nolito have proven themselves to be worthless. And injury and we're in trouble

— Shane Burns (@MediaShaneBurns) April 11, 2017"

The coach has spoken highly of the 28-year-old in the past. "He can play there and in several positions—left, right," Guardiola said in December, per Sky Sports. "He is a fighter in spirit, he is a character, he is a winner. He is a class, class player and now he is playing really well."

Such is his quality, Sanchez could make a massive impression at any of the teams aforementioned in a variety of different positions. But the intense and fluid style of football City play under Guardiola seems well attuned to the many qualities of the Arsenal forward.

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