Manchester United and City are out to ‘kill’ rivals by signing Alexis Sanchez, fears Chelsea boss Antonio Conte

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Simon Johnson13 January 2018

Chelsea coach Antonio Conte fears Manchester United and Manchester City are going for the kill in the transfer market.

The reigning champions net spend has been significantly lower than the two Manchester clubs in recent years and now both are vying for Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez.

Manchester United have lodged a £25million bid for the Chile international, while Manchester City are considered the favourites to secure his signature for some time.

It has been suggested that City would prefer to now wait until the summer, when Sanchez will be available on a free transfer if he doesn't sign a contract extension at Arsenal.

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Conte would like to bring Sanchez to Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea aren't prepared to give in to his wage demands of up to £400,000-a-week, which would make him their highest paid player.

In what could be perceived as another dig at his club's inability to make signings, the Chelsea boss said: "I understand that the other teams (Manchester United and Manchester City) try to kill the other teams and to anticipate the situation. This is the real transfer market - not to wait until the last moment to buy the players.

"If you anticipate the transfer market you become stronger and you make the other team weak.

"And I have great respect for the plan of the others because everyone try to kill you."

Alexis Sanchez Transfer Latest

With Conte rarely playing £33.1m acquisition Michy Batshuayi, Chelsea are reliant on £58m summer buy Alvaro Morata to star up front.

But the Spain international has scored just five times in his last 21 appearances and is looking short of confidence.

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

Conte admits he is a huge admirer of Sanchez, who would be eligible to play for Chelsea in the Champions League if the club secured him this month.

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When asked if he could understand Chelsea fans questioning the club's failure to make a bid, he seemed to find it difficult to provide a good explanation.

"I don't know," he replied. “I can give my opinion to my club for every situation then they have to make the best decision and that is right. I don't know, I don't know how I can answer you. I don't know."