Alexis Sanchez to Man Utd: How Kevin De Bruyne has helped Jose Mourinho land Arsenal star

MANCHESTER CITY ended their pursuit of Alexis Sanchez amid fears his wage demands would scupper contract talks with their current stars.

By Marc Williams /

Man City Arsenal Alexis Sanchez GETTY

Man City have pulled out of the race to land Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez

City have wanted Arsenal’s wantaway superstar for several years and were expected to sign him this month.

But in a shock twist, Pep Guardiola and co have shelved their plans for the Chilean, with rivals Manchester United now looking to land him.

The Times report that one of the reasons for City’s surprise decision was due to the fear Sanchez’s arrival at the Etihad could upset their existing players.

Sanchez is demanding a huge wage packet from his potential suitors and would have been earning far more than City’s stars.

Guardiola was reportedly worried that handing him such terms would unsettle his squad and disrupt their current contract talks.

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    Kevin De Bruyne is currently negotiating a new contract and is set to agree a new £280,000-a-week deal.

    De Bruyne has been one of the players of the season this term and City feared a move for Sanchez could jeopardise the Belgian’s improved deal.

    The likes of Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Nicolas Otamendi, who have all been superb this season, are also expected to be rewarded in the near future.

    City did not want Sanchez’s huge demands to ruin their current talks and so pulled out of the race to land him.

    Man City Kevin De Bruyne Alexis Sanchez GETTY

    Man City did not want to upset stars like Kevin De Bruyne by signing Alexis Sanchez

    United are now confident that they can see off interest from Chelsea and Liverpool and complete a £65m package deal for the 29-year-old.

    Talks are still ongoing over a transfer that will see Henrikh Mkhitaryan head to the Emirates.

    As a sweetener Jose Mourinho is also set to hand Sanchez United's fabled number seven shirt previously worn by greats including David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona and George Best.