Marca reported yesterday that Real Madrid had agreed a world-record fee for the transfer of Kylian M'Bappé, around €180 million. The deal isn't over the line yet, however, as Manchester City are determined to gazump them and land the highest-rated teenager in world football.
Last night, the Manchester Evening News reported that City have also entered talks with Monaco to sign yet another of their players, and are preparing to offer €160 million for M'Bappé's services. L'Equipe reported the story also, although claimed that City were willing to match Madrid's €180 million offer.
James Robson of the Manchester Evening News offered a fresh update on City's interest in M'Bappé, confirming that they are still eager to sign the French striker, although admit that Real are favourites.
There's a further issue for Arsenal fans: Alexis Sanchez is a very real City target and such is the depth of their pockets, the chase for M'Bappé will not deter them from attempting to land Sanchez from Arsenal.
1 - They absolutely want him and have made Monaco aware.
— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) July 26, 2017
3 - That has always been considered steep - but they have refused to drop their interest, even as they pursue Alexis Sanchez
— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) July 26, 2017
5 - They still hope he will reject Real and the lure of Guardiola will bring him to City
— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) July 26, 2017
Whether Alexis will move or not will likely become one of the bigger storylines leading into the Premier League season. There would be a level of hypocrisy on Sanchez' part: one of the reasons he joined Arsenal over Liverpool in 2014 was his preference for life in London, rather than the north of England. It would also continue a maddening trend for Arsenal fans: Bacary Sagna, Emmanuel Adebayor, Gael Clichy, Kolo Toure, and Samir Nasri.
While the move above caused a varying amount of anger among Arsenal fans, Sanchez' loss would be the biggest blow of all.
