According to an article from the Telegraph, Manchester City have sent a delegation to Chile, with hopes of finalising a deal for Alexis Sanchez after ongoing negotiations with Arsenal in the last couple of days.
City’s hopes of signing another transfer target, Jonny Evans from West Bromwich Albion, are touch and go as of Wednesday night with wantaway defender Eliaquim Mangala hesitating over a move to the Baggies. Arsenal are hoping to swoop in for the Northern Irish defender after both City and West Brom have reached an impasse in negotiations.
It is understood that City have a team of officials in Macul, Santiago – the place where Chile will continue their World Cup qualification campaign against Paraguay at 11:30pm BST on Thursday, which is 30 minutes after the transfer window closing. City’s team will be able to conduct a medical and complete personal terms with Sanchez once the transfer has been sanctioned by Arsenal.
Reports on Wednesday night have claimed that City have raised their opening offer of £50 million, which was instantly rejected by the Gunners on Tuesday, to a a deal worth up to £70 million in hopes that they can complete the deal. Arsenal could end up losing their prized asset for nothing next summer if they decide to keep him on for the rest of the season, with the Chilean in the last year of his current contract.
Juan Antonio Pizzi, Chilean national team head coach, had this to say about Alexis Sanchez:
“He is calm. Whatever happens, regardless of which option is taken, his future is very good.”
“Lots could happen, but we also have to take into account that each player must not lose concentration. If a player wants authorisation for one thing or another, it is us (the Chilean federation), which takes the decision.”
