Pep Guardiola says Alexis Sanchez is just one step below Lionel Messi and ‘fantastic player’ as he hints at move
The Manchester City manager will target the Gunners striker with his £250million transfer kitty
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PEP GUARDIOLA has given the strongest hint yet that he wants to buy Alexis Sanchez after comparing him to Lionel Messi and saying he is a "fantastic player".
SunSport told you how the Manchester City manager will be given a £250million transfer kitty this summer.
And the Gunners striker is on the shortlist of key stars Guardiola wants at the Etihad.
No wonder then that the former Barcelona boss lavished praise on the Chilean when speaking ahead of today's FA Cup semi-final against Arsene Wenger's side.
He knows he will face a fight with Chelsea for Sanchez's signature as uncertainty over his future mounts.
But Guardiola worked with the diminutive hitman at Barcelona and hinted he wants to rekindle the relationship in Manchester.
He said: "How do big clubs improve their teams?
"Better players. So, of course, big clubs around the world are going to know his situation."
Ironically it was Messi who stunted Sanchez's growth at Barcelona.
Everything builds through the five-time Ballon d'Or winner there and Sanchez - who wants a 'winning project' at Arsenal - was restricted from his free-flowing style.
Guardiola admitted as much but says his former star has now developed into a player just one level below arguably the greatest in the game today.
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He said: "Messi creates that. All the players who go there and start to train with him immediately feel like they can’t compete and that they’re below.
"Even the big, big players who believe that they are top, they understand that Messi is unique.
"But Alexis is just one step below. Of course Alexis is a fantastic player and I’m so happy how he’s playing at Arsenal, especially this year scoring goals."