Transfer talk: Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez on Manchester United radar, according to reports

Sky Sport Italia claims United plotting to snatch Chile international, also a Manchester City target

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 10: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Leg match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on January 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
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Manchester United are reportedly ready to hijack any Manchester City move for Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez.

Former Barcelona forward Sanchez, 29, is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium this summer and has been linked with a January switch to City.

However, Sky Sport Italia claims Jose Mourinho's United are plotting to snatch Chile international Sanchez from under City's noses.

United manager Mourinho, who said he was unlikely to buy anyone in January, recently bemoaned his club's inability to invest up to "£700 million" (nearly Dh3.5 billion) in new players, claiming Premier League leaders City have the advantage of unlimited spending power.

Beating Pep Guardiola to Sanchez's capture would therefore represent a major coup for the Old Trafford side and for Mourinho.

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The reports further claim that Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been offered as a makeweight in any deal with Arsenal.

Armenia international Mkhitaryan has struggled to hold down a first-team place at Old Trafford this season and Sky Sport Italia reports that Arsenal are keen on the former Borussia Dortmund forward.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Serie A Inter Milan are also considering a loan move for Mkhitaryan.

Press Association Sport contacted both United and Arsenal with the Manchester club saying they were not aware of any bid for Sanchez while the Gunners declined to comment.

City, meanwhile, remain tight-lipped over a potential approach for Sanchez in the current transfer window but midfielder Kevin De Bruyne said on Wednesday he believes the player would "add something" to the squad at the Etihad.