It’s all hands on deck in Manchester City’s bid to sign Alexis Sanchez in the next 36 hours.

After weeks of quiet regarding the Arsenal man’s future, one of the summer’s biggest transfer sagas has roared back into life. It all depends whether it’s a question of too little, too late.

The Citizens finally submitted a bid for the 28-year-old with Arsenal rejecting the £50 million offer suggested.

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A proposition of over £70 million would be needed to persuade the Gunners who are not offended by the idea of allowing Sanchez to run-out his contract. The club even flirted with the idea of bidding for Raheem Sterling as part of the deal.

However, with the inclusion of Sterling now categorically ruled out and City needing to up their bid, time is of the essence.

All this, while Sanchez is on international duty with Chile. The 28-year-old will likely feature in a crucial World Cup qualifier against Paraguay that could decide their place in Russia or place it in jeopardy.

It’s fair to say City face an uphill struggle when nothing has been agreed and the man in question is 7,000 miles away. The Citizens have been forced to draft a last-ditch plan.

And according to Mancheter Evening News, City have not only decided their approach but have started to put the wheels in motion.

The club have flown officials out to South America who are ready to carry out the necessary talks and medical. Consequently, the whole deal could take place without Sanchez even setting foot in England, never mind Manchester.

City sources have insisted to M.E.N. that Sanchez’s current location now proves little threat to their hopes of cutting a deal.

Despite officially being adamant that there would no advance on £50 million, Etihad officials are now coming round to the fact a cash-only deal may be necessary.

They were initially considering the Sterling swap option but never entertained the idea of conceding Sergio Aguero.

Moreover, Kylian Mbappe’s impending move to Paris Saint-Germain has somewhat forced the matter. This in spite of the fact City’s interest in Sanchez can be traced as far back as December.

So you can’t exactly fault Pep Guardiola’s men for effort and their latest move has tackled the problem of international duties. Arsenal fans will have to keep their fingers crossed and hope the deadline catches up with Sanchez before City do.

Do you think Arsenal can afford to lose Alexis Sanchez? Let us know by leaving a comment below.