Pep Guardiola chose trying to sign Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez this month over bolstering Manchester City defence with Virgil van Dijk
The City boss plans to make a raid for Arsenal's wantaway star following a failed summer deadline day swoop
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PEP GUARDIOLA chose trying to sign Alexis Sanchez over bolstering his Manchester City defence this January, it can be revealed.
The City boss plans to make a raid for Arsenal's wantaway star following a failed summer deadline day swoop.
He also wanted a new central defender, along with a left-back after Benjamin Mendy was crocked with an ACL tear.
But Etihad chiefs made it clear he had to decide which area to upgrade in this month.
Guardiola spent £215m last summer and although he managed to recoup £120m, there is no blank cheque book.
Arsenal are demanding around £35m to sign 29-year-old Sanchez, or they could wait and and land him on a free next summer.
PSG are also interested in the Chilean, forcing Guardiola into making a move earlier than he had hoped.
The ex-Barcelona manager was also a big fan of Southampton ace Virgil van Dijk.
But he went on to join Liverpool in a stunning £75m switch after City pulled out of negotiations.
And a long-term knee injury to Gabriel Jesus has persuaded Guardiola to go for an attacking option.
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A City source revealed: “Pep chose between the two of them. It was down to him at the end of the day.
“There are funds to spend on players this month, but not a stupid amount.
“The boss wanted a new central defender but there have been some injuries which have forced his hand.”