Manchester City round-up: Guardiola offers Sanchez swap; Juventus star scouted; potential reunion for goalkeeper

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is stepping up his interest in Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez, according to reports in The Sun, with the Spaniard set to offer a player swap as part of the deal.

It is believed that Guardiola would include defender Jason Denayer – who has spent this season on-loan at relegated Sunderland – as part of his efforts to bring the frustrated Chilean to the Etihad.

Despite the Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger categorically denying that his star forward will leave over the summer, reports suggest that City are set to take advantage of his interest in Denayer.

The 21-year-old alerted Wenger’s interest in the past and, although Guardiola doesn’t want to see the Belgian leave, he would be more willing to let him go of him if it formed a deal for Sanchez.

The Chilean’s current contract runs out at the end of next season, and with the 28-year-old not expected to renew his deal in London speculation has increased at a £50 million move away this summer.

Sanchez has been an integral part of Arsenal’s outside hopes of reaching the top-four, being involved in just under half of their total goals this year (19 goals and nine assists in 34 Premier League matches).

Reports coming from Goal have suggested that Manchester City scouts were watching another transfer window target on Tuesday evening, with Juventus defender Alex Sandro the man in the spotlight.

It has been claimed that City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, was in Turin on Tuesday to watch Sandro during Juventus’ Champions League semi-final second-leg victory over surprise package Monaco.

With Bacary Sagna, Aleksander Kolarov and Pablo Zabaleta all facing uncertain futures in the Manchester City defence – and all being over 30 – manager Guardiola has promised a re-shuffle at the back for next year.

Guardiola is allegedly prepared to pay up to £42 million to secure the signing of the 26-year-old left-back – although it is believed that Juventus will do anything in their power to keep him in Italy.

In a potential shock move, Pep Guardiola is also reportedly targeting a reunion with ex-Barcelona and Middlesbrough goalkeeper Victor Valdes as he looks to bring in an experienced number one.

Bleacher Report has claimed that Guardiola, who managed Valdes during his reign at the Camp Nou, is tempted to utilise this link and bring the 35-year-old to the Etihad.

With Willy Caballero’s contract running out at the end of the season, Claudio Bravo under-performing in his debut season and Joe Hart destined to leave, City are needing to invest in a quality goalkeeper.

Valdes played a big part in Middlesbrough’s miserly defence this season, despite their eventual relegation back to the Championship, keeping eight clean sheets in 28 Premier League appearances.

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