Pazia la usajili lafungwa, Sanchez aiacha Man-City kwenye mataa.. Guardiola asema 'nimenawaa..' #share

Manchester City have admitted defeat in their pursuit of Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez.

Pep Guardiola has wanted to add the Chilean to his forward line for a long time, with City officials first contacting their Arsenal counterparts three months ago to make their interest known.

A number of phone calls have been exchanged between senior officials at both clubs.

Arsenal were adamant they would not sell the 28-year-old, until they made it clear that if Raheem Sterling would come in the other direction, a deal could be done.

City refused, but sensed an opening. On Tuesday, an offer of £50m was made. It was turned down. 

On Thursday morning, Arsenal officials contacted City. They had found a replacement in Thomas Lemar. 

City were invited to make an offer. They did - £55m plus £5m add ons. It was verbally agreed. Arsenal had a bid of £92m accepted by Monaco, only for it to then collapse leaving the Sanchez deal in tatters.

At City, they are frustrated, but relaxed. Sanchez would have been the icing on the cake of what has been a superb window for them. 

They are happy with their business. There is no little bemusement, however, that they are being blamed for the collapse.

Sportsmail understands, thanks to the above, that simply is not the case. - MailOnline