With Alexis Sanchez’s shock move to Manchester United seemingly just days away, we look at why the Red Devils are prepared to spend such big money on the 29-year-old.
According to the Daily Star, Alexis will be taking home an eye-watering £300k-per-week once he completes his move to United this week.
The Red Devils are also allegedly prepared to cough up £40m for the 29-year-old – £15m more than their rivals at City.
Considering the forward only has six months left on his current contract with Arsenal, it’s clear that United are desperate to sign the Chilean, who they’ve apparently been chasing for nine months. But why?
Zlatan out
Jose Mourinho still claims that Zlatan Ibrahimović has a key role to play at United. However, after the 36-year-old was subbed off injured during the Red Devils’ 2-2 draw against Burnley in December, it became apparent that the Swede’s body has begun to give up on him.
The forward had only been back in action for a little over a month after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in April and now he’s out until at least February.
Alexis is obviously being viewed as the big guy’s replacement.
Goal drought
United need a goalscorer. Although Romelu Lukaku started off well, netting seven in his first seven Premier League appearances in red, the goals have dried up.
The 24-year-old hasn’t scored since December 17 and he’s United’s top goalscorer (10), which is a problem when you look at Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (18) and City’s Raheem Sterling (14).
Especially considering United’s second-highest goalscorers are Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial with just seven goals each.
Adding Alexis to the starting line-up will almost certainly bring goals.
A dig at Pep
Pep Guardiola and Mourinho have been rivals since their days as Barcelona and Real Madrid coaches.
There’s no way Mourinho isn’t relishing the chance to nab a player like Alexis from under the Spaniard’s nose.
A dig at Wenger
Mourinho and Arsene Wenger’s bitter rivalry is well-documented. By signing Alexis, the ex-Chelsea boss can not only take Arsenal’s strongest player, he can strengthen his own side and mug off Pep in the process.
Mourinho must be happier than a pig in s*** right now.
United like spending money
Although City often come under fire for how much cash they’ve coughed up for their squad, United get away with paying ridiculous money.
They’re the richest club in the world; they’re more of a brand than football club. This means that they can afford to.
Paul Pogba, for example, cost them almost £90m and takes home a reported £290k-per-week. Therefore, £300kpw and £40m for Alexis isn’t actually that unusual since they do really need him.