Pep Guardiola chose trying to sign Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez this month over bolstering Manchester City defence with Virgil van Dijk

PEP GUARDIOLA chose trying to sign Alexis Sanchez over bolstering his Manchester City defence this January, it can be revealed.

The City boss plans to make a raid for Arsenal's wantaway star following a failed summer deadline day swoop.

He also wanted a new central defender, along with a left-back after Benjamin Mendy was crocked with an ACL tear.

But Etihad chiefs made it clear he had to decide which area to upgrade in this month.

Guardiola spent £215m last summer and although he managed to recoup £120m, there is no blank cheque book.

Arsenal are demanding around £35m to sign 29-year-old Sanchez, or they could wait and and land him on a free next summer.

PSG are also interested in the Chilean, forcing Guardiola into making a move earlier than he had hoped.

The ex-Barcelona manager was also a big fan of Southampton ace Virgil van Dijk.

But he went on to join Liverpool in a stunning £75m switch after City pulled out of negotiations.

And a long-term knee injury to Gabriel Jesus has persuaded Guardiola to go for an attacking option.

A City source revealed: “Pep chose between the two of them. It was down to him at the end of the day.

“There are funds to spend on players this month, but not a stupid amount.

“The boss wanted a new central defender but there have been some injuries which have forced his hand.”