Manchester City Transfer News: Alexis Sanchez Rumours, Latest on Vincent Kompany

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola sees Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez as the man to push his team "to the next level" next season.

That's according to James Robson of the Manchester Evening News, who reported the City boss feels as though he needs to add more goals to his team and is interested in signing Gunners talisman Sanchez. 

Although the Chile international will only have a year to run on his contract at the end of the campaign, it's stated the transfer could cost £50 million. City are also said to be admirers of Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann, although Sanchez's contract situation is said to make him a more attainable target.

Sanchez has proved himself as one of the finest players in the Premier League this campaign. As noted by Squawka Football, he's enjoyed a fantastic 2016-17 season:

Guardiola was asked about the club's reported interest in Sanchez on Thursday, and although he declined to comment on any individuals, he suggested there's a busy summer in store at the Etihad Stadium.

"It is not time to talk about that—about the players who are going to stay here—the hypothetical players who are coming here next season," he said, per Robson. "We have a lot of business to do."

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After a blistering beginning to the campaign, Sanchez has cut a frustrated figure in recent weeks, and his performances have suffered. Football journalist Tony Evans was critical of the manner in which he's been conducting himself:

However, when he's on song, as he regularly has been for Arsenal, the forward is a real handful. For City fans, the prospect of Sanchez linking up with the likes of Sergio Aguero, Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus is tantalising.

According to James Olley of the Evening Standard, the Gunners are keen to tie Sanchez down and have offered him a weekly wage of £300,000 in an attempt to keep him at the club. However, the prospect of working alongside Guardiola in a City team challenging for the top honours may be enough to make him think twice.

Vincent Kompany Latest

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Guardiola has said City skipper Vincent Kompany has a future at the club despite his persistent injury problems.

The 31-year-old has been limited to just three starts in the Premier League this season, as he's struggled to find fitness since Guardiola arrived at the club last summer. However, the manager is not ruling out his captain becoming a permanent fixture again, per Robson:

"He can do that, hopefully in the next period and in the near future," Guardiola said when asked whether Kompany can play two games per week, per Stuart Brennan of the Manchester Evening News. 

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Guardiola spoke about how happy he was to see Kompany complete 90 minutes in the 2-1 loss against Chelsea too, suggesting he played at a "high, high level." As noted by Robson, the skipper made a difference:

When he's fit, there aren't many more accomplished centre-backs in English football than Kompany. Not only is he a supreme defender, but he's an excellent technician and an outstanding leader too. City are a much stronger outfit with him in the XI.

However, it's difficult for Guardiola to rely on the Belgian, such is his unreliable fitness record. City must strengthen their options at the back regardless and view a potential Kompany renaissance as a bonus.