Ex-Liverpool striker, John Aldridge, is convinced that his former club should bid £40m for Alexis Sanchez in January after failing to sign the Chilean in 2014, but why would the 29-year-old go to Merseyside if Manchester City are still interested?

It’s pretty much common knowledge now that Alexis won’t be signing a contract with Arsenal once his existing deal expires in six months.

City, as well as the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, have been linked with a move for the forward. Most media outlets claim that the 29-year-old is keen to reunite with former Barcelona boss, Pep Guardiola.

Aldridge, however, reckons that Liverpool should return for the Chilean after failing to sign him in 2014 when the Gunners nipped in and signed Alexis from under Brendan Rodgers’ nose.

“Liverpool made a real statement of intent when they paid £75m to sign Virgil van Dijk – and now they should put in a sneaky £40m offer to try and get Alexis Sanchez out of Arsenal,” writes the ex-Republic of Ireland international in a piece for the Irish Independent.

He later adds, “I’m a big fan of the Chilean forward who turned down a move to Liverpool in favour of joining Arsenal in the summer of 2014, amid suggestions he did not want to live in the north of England.

“Well, if he is keen to join Manchester City now, that stance has clearly changed and maybe he would be tempted by a move to a Liverpool side that he would fit into so easily.

“If Liverpool could grab Sanchez now, it would be a major coup and then Liverpool fans would not be too concerned if Coutinho left for Barcelona.”

While Liverpool could offer Alexis Champions League football at the moment, there’s no guarantee for next season.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently fourth in the Premier League table – four points off fifth and six off sixth.

City, on the other hand, have practically been crowned champions already.

Even if they somehow don’t win the title, it would take a monumental c**k-up for them to slip out of the top three now.

If Alexis signs for City in January, he can be safe in the knowledge that he’ll be in the Champions League next term, which is what he’s always said he wants.

Therefore, why would Alexis pick Liverpool over the likes of City, Real Madrid or PSG? He wouldn’t. If they do go for him, they’ve missed out before and they’ll definitely miss out again.