Manchester United reportedly first approached Alexis Sanchez’s representatives over a move in the summer, despite Manchester City being ahead in the race for his signature.

According to a Daily Star ‘EXCLUSIVE’, United’s interest in Alexis is nothing new. In fact, they allegedly made an approach for him in the summer. It should be noted, however, that last summer isn’t a ‘year’ ago, as the outlet claims.

Although Manchester City have been the main club linked with the Chilean since the summer, the way the Red Devils have swooped in and seemingly completely hijacked the deal so quickly does indicate there had to have been some previous tapping up contact.

The 29-year-old will most likely complete his £40m move to Old Trafford this week. The forward’s agent Fernando Felicevich allegedly demanded more than £5m as part of the deal and City weren’t having any of it. Alexis will reportedly be getting £300k-per-week – over double what he gets at Arsenal.

alexis sanchez chelsea
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 03: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal warms up prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on January 3, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

On one hand, as Graeme Souness pointed out on Sky Sports, it’s unlikely that United’s interest in Alexis popped up over night. However, if they made an approach in the summer, why didn’t we hear about it? And why did they wait until now to make a move?

If Felicevich and Alexis are all about the money, why wouldn’t they leak this in order to prompt City to cough up more cash? It would have also looked good from United’s point of view because they would have been linked with a rival’s best player.

Time will only tell what’s gone on behind the scenes between Arsenal and Alexis since the summer, but I feel as if there’s far more to this saga than meets the eye.