Manchester City: Alexis Sanchez to the Etihad? Please say no

Adding Alexis Sanchez to Manchester City is needless.

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There are lots of things I like about what Pep Guardiola has done for Manchester City: I like the rejuvenation of Aleksandar Kolarov; I like the fluidity in tactics and formation; I like City’s ability to score without Sergio Aguero; I like the grittiness and mental toughness that was so lacking compared to last season.

Yet, there are things I don’t like with Pep’s management of City. It stems from his perfectionism. He literally takes micro-managing to the molecular level — see blood tests, Vincent Kompany. This idiosyncrasy seems also to extend to a side, already largely overhauled, that has seven wins out of seven competitive matches and tops the Premier League table. They’re perfect, which apparently isn’t good enough for the ever heavenly-reaching Pep.

Granted it’s a rumor from The Express, but apparently City is listening closely to the negotiations between Arsenal and its talisman Alexis Sanchez, who wants £200,000 per week before he commits to the Gunners for the foreseeable future. If the talks deteriorate, the gossip is that City wants to snag the Chilean forward away from their league rivals in the January transfer window. Sanchez and Guardiola, of course, are familiar with each from their days at Barcelona together.

If true, all this begs the question — why? Why does Pep want to add another forward/winger when he stocked up during the last transfer period. It isn’t a particularly weak area for City. Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling, Kelechi Iheanacho, Leroy Sane and Nolito are all regulars. All of them have played well if not fantastically well. Sterling, Sane and Nolito were brought in recently, for a lot of money or both. Guardiola courted the latter two this window to play them. Why then bring in an expensive, £200,000 per week Alexis if not to supplant one of them?

The only explanation that makes sense is Pep is not happy. He’s unsatisfied with a squad, already looking improved from last season, that’s met every challenge it’s encountered thus far and looked great doing it. I suspect the boys are aren’t winning and scoring goals in the artistic way he wants. This has left him anxious for players that would, i.e. Alexis. And this seeming lack of patience in the context of a nearly impeccable start for City is frustrating.

I understand the team is still a work in progress and still taking to Pep’s system. Changes had to be made, players culled. But needless spending just for Pep to bring Barcelona here instead of making Manchester his home, after the clubs and supporters have been so accommodating, frankly, is insulting.

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