Alexis Sanchez is playing for Arsenal instead of Manchester City because of FFP, reveals former City boss Manuel Pellegrini

ALEXIS SANCHEZ would be banging them in for Manchester City rather than Arsenal but for Financial Fair Play regulations.

The Chilean forward joined the Gunners from Barcelona in 2014 for £34million.

4

But according to former Citizens boss Manuel Pellegrini, he could quite easily be wearing the sky blue of City instead of Arsenal’s red.

Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and gossip ahead of the January window with SunSport’s daily LIVE blog

Pellegrini said: "He was one of the best in the world and he showed it every day."

"He was a major player we wanted to take to City.”

related stories

ON GUARD

Pep accused of 'cardinal sin' by fuming Leyton Orient fans ahead of Man City clash

SHORT AT THE BACK

Prem League team with most bald fans revealed, where does your club rank?

GUARD DOWN

Guardiola to reveal all over Man City being charged for 130 financial breaches

FINE WHINE

Sir Alex YAWNS watching Man Utd but fans distracted by who he's sat next to

Speaking to Chilean radio station AND, he added: "We could not take him before he signed for Arsenal, it was because the club was punished for Financial Fair Play.

“I did not have the space in the squad for him.

"Alexis is a complete winner and hopefully he will remain a force for a number of years."

4

4

4

Sanchez is on fire for Arsene Wenger’s side this season.

The forward has bagged 14 goals in 22 appearances for the north London side so far, but has still yet to agree a new deal with the club.

And he could still join forces with his fellow countryman Pellegrini.

The ex-Etihad chief is now in charge of Hebei China Fortune and has offered the 27-year-old a staggering £500,000-a-week to join him in the Far East.