How Would Alexis Sanchez Fit in at Manchester City?

Arsenal Vs Burnley” (CC BY 2.0) by joshjdss

Alexis Sanchez may well have played his last game for Arsenal, as elite vultures begin to circle the Premier League star before the transfer window opens on July 1st. It is likely that the Chilean will be prised away from the Emirates for the right price, as the man who contributed to 34 goals this season is desperate to see his efforts rewarded with silverware. Pep Guardiola signed Sanchez while at Barcelona and is eager to do the same again and bring him to the Etihad. But where would the ferocious attacker fit in Manchester City’s jam-packed attack?

As the season drew to a close it appeared as though Guardiola had struck on the right formula in front of goal, as the Cityzens finished the campaign on a high. The devastating attack (see video below) put away 15 goals in their final four matches and gave fans a glimpse of things to come next term. Guardiola has had a chance to familiarise himself with England’s top flight now, and it is expected that City will be challenging for the title all the way next time out. In fact, in the early season Betfred betting, Guardiola’s side are 9/4 to lift the trophy in the 2017-18 campaign, with new users able to claim a welcome offer worth up to £60.

It seems that Guardiola’s favoured line-up now is to play an attacking trident with Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling either side of Sergio Aguero or Gabriel Jesus. The effectiveness of this quartet of players was plain to see in the final days of the season, and Guardiola was able to rotate the four attackers around the three slots. Sanchez would add yet another option here, and would provide more depth for City as they look to battle on domestic and European fronts.

When signing Sanchez for Barcelona, Guardiola spoke of his appreciation of the deadly attacker’s ability to play an all-round game and occupy any of the attacking positions. Not only can the 28-year-old be deployed on the wings or at the spearhead, he also has the potential to flourish in a number 10 role just behind a central striker. The fact that Sanchez has established himself as one of the standout performers in the top flight suggests that when fit he will start, leaving the other attackers to fight it out between themselves for the remaining spots. This embarrassment of riches would leave City more than capable of outscoring any opponent.

City will have to act quickly if they want to secure Sanchez’s services, though. Other top clubs such as Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have expressed interest in the forward, and there is no doubt that they can offer him the opportunity to win trophies.

City may have the upper hand, as Sanchez has a good relationship with Guardiola and may want to stay in the Premier League. He should have no doubts about his security of starts, either, as even though City have a formidable force already, he is arguably the best of the bunch. If he does follow in the footsteps of former Gunners Samir Nasri, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Gael Clichy, and move to the blue side of Manchester, it’s hard not to back City for the title next term.