Report: Manchester United counters City with fresh Sanchez bid

Manchester United is hoping to hijack Manchester City's deal for Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez after submitting a £25-million bid to the Gunners, the Guardian's Ed Aarons and Fabrizio Romano report.

Although Sanchez has agreed to a basic contract with City worth £250,000 a week, United has reportedly provided a better financial package to both Arsenal and the player. That's apparently stoked manager Jose Mourinho's confidence in beating rival Pep Guardiola to the signing of the Chilean.

The Red Devils have also offered Arsenal the chance to sign out-of-favour midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but Arsene Wenger is reportedly more interested in recruiting Brazilian winger Malcom from Bordeaux.

United's move for Sanchez could inspire an unexpected bidding war for Sanchez. It's not clear if City will improve its initial £20-million proposal to Arsenal and whether previous suitor Paris Saint-Germain will enter the fray before the end of the transfer window. With his contract dwindling down to its final months and days, Sanchez is free to discuss terms with any club that interests him.

Sanchez, however, is "desperate" to play under Guardiola, who briefly coached the 29-year-old at Barcelona, Goal's Sam Lee noted.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has divulged few details regarding his club's stance on Sanchez, even suggesting he could still extend his contract at the Emirates. Wenger also defended Sanchez against allegations that he's quit on the team.

"I want him to stay for longer," the Frenchman told reporters after Wednesday's scoreless draw with Chelsea. "I have no problem if he signs with us now or in June."

Sanchez has scored just seven goals in the Premier League this season, with Arsenal fighting for a Champions League spot in sixth place.