Manchester United and Manchester City keen on signing Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted he would love to sign Alexis Sanchez.

Manchester United has also emerged as shock contenders for Sanchez after the devastating injury to talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Reports by the Mirror say that Guardiola had put £50million Sanchez on his Manchester City wish-list when he agreed to take charge at the Etihad.

The Gunners stood firm when City made an approach last summer, but will be forced to cash in this year, with the 28-year-old refusing to sign a new contract as his current deal moves into its final 12 months.

Guardiola, who signed Sanchez for Barcelona earlier in his career, made his intentions clear ahead of City’s FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal by saying: “How do big clubs improve their teams? With better players.

“So of course big clubs around the world are going to know his (Sanchez’s) situation.

“When the big, big players go to Barcelona they understand that Lionel Messi is unique.

“But Alexis is just one step below. Alexis is a fantastic player and I’m so happy how he’s playing at Arsenal, especially this year scoring goals.