With the news leaking out that Alexis Sanchez-to-Manchester is getting close, we got a bit of a twist. The report suggests that Raheem Sterling could be a part of the deal.
As the great Alexis Sanchez saga drags on, the deal seems to take another turn. It is reported that Raheem Sterling could be included in a package to bring in the Chilean.
While Manchester City would much rather get a cash deal done, Arsenal remains heavily interested in the English international. Arsene Wenger is ready to let Sanchez walk at the end of the season for free, and he is in no rush to get a deal done.
It was previously reported that the deal could be worked out with just Jason Denayer included. However, with Manchester City more desperate, you can not count any deal out.
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For City to pull the trigger on this, it would be disastrous.
First thing first, the age difference is a key. As great of a player as Alexis Sanchez is, he will be turning 30 next season. For a player that relies on his explosiveness and speed a lot, age is his Achilles heel. That is exactly why he is also desperate to move. He feels that his ability to help a team win a title is slipping away and that time is an essence. However, to include Raheem Sterling in the deal would be a step backward. Sterling, on the other hand, is only 22 years old. He is not even in his prime yet. To deal him for someone in decline would be downright foolish.
Swapping Sterling for Sanchez would also be counter-productive. Guardiola does not want to the Arsenal forward as a replacement; rather, he wants to bring him in as an addition. One of the biggest issues last year was a lack of depth in the wing position. Pep ran Sterling and Leroy Sane into the ground throughout the season, mostly because of lack of options. Nolito and Jesus Navas were laughable options. Yes, City brought in Bernardo Silva but he is more of a central playmaker than anything else. Pep can also deploy Gabriel Jesus on the wing, but his natural position is up top. To maximize those two players’ abilities, you can not force them into a wrong place. Sanchez should give competition to those young wingers.
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There is absolutely no doubt that Alexis Sanchez is one of the best players in the league. There is no doubt that he would improve Manchester City immediately. But at what cost? The club must sort this one out cash-only.