Manchester City have identified alleged Arsenal target, Wilfried Zaha, as a back-up in case they can’t sign Alexis Sanchez according to reports.

Manchester City could sign Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha if they lose out on Alexis Sanchez to Paris St. Germain.

According to the Mirror, the 25-year-old is just the sort of exciting attacking talent that Manchester City want in their squad and they’ve already laid the groundwork for a potential £40m deal.

Arsenal and Chelsea are also said to be interested in the winger, who has four goals in 12 games for Crystal Palace this season.

City are stocked with attacking talent but are expected to make a move for Alexis in January.

However, they could face stiff competition from PSG, hence their alleged interest in Zaha.

Arsenal have been linked with Zaha for a number of years, especially before his ill-fated move to Manchester United. He could, some believe, be a direct replacement for Alexis.

The two are similar players, in that they’re both unpredictable and capable of doing special things on a football pitch.

However, with 38 goals in 287 career appearances, the 25-year-old has never been the most productive player despite his recent good form.

He also revels in the freedom of being Palace’s best player, and could struggle with Pep Guadiola’s more specific instructions.

There are plenty of good attackers around Europe, so if Arsenal end up missing out here, it’s not the end of the world.