Former Arsenal hero Alexis Sanchez has revealed how he nearly moved to Manchester City before completing a move to United instead in January 2018.
Sanchez has established himself as one of the Premier League's best players during his time in north London, netting 80 goals and providing a further 45 assists in 166 appearances for the club. However, he was keen to move on and compete for the top honours, turning down a contract extension before nearly joining the Citizens in the summer of 2017.
Now, he has revealed that there was a proposed swap deal that would see a City player go to the Gunners but the deal eventually fell through. "I was about to go to City," the Chilean told La Tercera, via the Mirror.
READ MORE: Arsenal behind-closed-doors friendly difficult with Saka, Partey and Odegaard among call-ups
"I spoke to (Pep) Guardiola every day, he told me happy birthday. He was like my dad, He was my dad at Barcelona and he was like my dad at City.
"We talked, we talked every day, he sent me messages and everything was ready, there was a player who was going to go to Arsenal. Then [Arsene] Wenger tells me you are not leaving because the other player did not want to come and they do not have another."
It is unclear who exactly the City player that Sanchez was referring to was, although Raheem Sterling may make sense considering Arsenal had been linked with the England international at the time. Speaking about the saga at the time, City boss Guardiola said: “Arsenal were keen on a swap deal with Alexis and Raz (Sterling) but I spoke with them and said no chance.
"Absolutely no chance. Zero chance.”
In the end, Sanchez went to City's local rivals United whilst Sterling was instrumental in City winning four of the last five Premier League titles before he opted to join Chelsea last summer.
READ NEXT:
Latest Arsenal injury news as four miss Leeds with Bukayo Saka concern and Eddie Nketiah update
Oleksandr Zinchenko breaks silence on Mykhailo Mudryk Arsenal snub ahead of England vs Ukraine
Ben White injury fear sparks Arsenal backup plan discussion as William Saliba role confirmed
Leandro Trossard reveals why he was surprised after Arsenal transfer amid Mikel Arteta warning
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
