First, let’s start with the Mirror’s story suggesting City will launch a cut-price £20 million deal for Alexis Sanchez in January.
Pep Guardiola made the Arsenal forward a summer target but the two Clubs were unable to strike a deal on deadline day.
But according to John Cross, City will test Arsenal’s resolve when the transfer window reopens in January.
“League leading Manchester City are ready to make a January move for Alexis Sanchez — but only if they can get him on the cheap,” Cross writes.
“Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger effectively tried to start an auction by admitting he could sell Sanchez and midfielder Mesut Ozil in the winter window rather than lose £100m worth of talent for nothing when their contracts expire at season’s end.
“Mirror Sport understands Sanchez has made up his mind to move to the Etihad, which leaves City in a strong position.
“They failed with a deadline-day £60m offer for the 29-year-old in August and could yet sign him as a free agent, when the player would also get a more lucrative contract.
“If City do move for Sanchez in January, it would be for a fraction of the money on offer in the summer.
“His value could plummet to as little as £20m with just six months left on his contract
“Sanchez would also not be cup-tied for the Champions League — another attraction for City boss Pep Guardiola, who signed him for Barcelona in 2011.”
We have a feeling that’s a story that will run and run over the next three months…
Meanwhile, Sergio Aguero has told TyC Sport (via Sky Sports) that he would love to see Lionel Messi in a City shirt – but admits it would be difficult for any side to prize him away from Barcelona.
“I think Messi, like [Cristiano] Ronaldo, are players who are symbols of their clubs and it’s difficult for them to leave,” Aguero said.
“I would love to have Leo on my team, but that seems quite complicated.”
And, finally, Gabriel Jesus says he has improved – both technically and mentally – since joining City last season.
The Brazilian scored twice in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Chile on Tuesday and he believes his evolution since joining Guardiola’s setup is clear.
“I’m evolving, not only as a professional, but also in the head, in the mind,” he told the Mirror.
“I’m evolving more than last year, with many experiences in the national team and in Europe - this is doing me good.
“I will continue doing what I have always done, whether in Manchester or in the national team.
“I’m very happy about what I’ve been showing everyone, but I know I have to keep working, running, showing that I should be selected.”
That’s all for today, Blues. Stay tuned here on mancity.com throughout the day as we continue the build-up to Saturday’s game at home to Stoke.
