That is the interesting theory of Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal forward Paul Merson.

Sanchez is close to completing a move to Manchester United from Arsenal.

Manchester City were the overwhelming favourites to sign Sanchez when the transfer window opened on January 1.

The Sky Blues failed in their attempts to sign the Chilean last summer but were still keen on a deal this month.

However, rivals United stormed into the race and look like they have got their man from under the noses of Pep Guardiola's side.

Merson thinks Alexis Sanchez would have thought he was joining City, not United.

And he believes something significant must have occurred for his destination to change so quickly. 

“You don’t get too much in January,” Merson said.

“They’ve had a right result Man United. 

“Something’s gone on behind the scenes because for Mourinho to say ‘we want him’. 

“He’d have roughly known he wasn’t going to Manchester City.”