Transfer Centre

Pep Guardiola coy on links with Alexis Sanchez, Danilo

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 19 July 2017

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says that he cannot discuss the futures of rumoured targets Danilo and Alexis Sanchez as they are still under contract at other clubs.

Pep Guardiola has refused to confirm reports that Manchester City are close to sealing a move for full-back Danilo, while also downplaying links with Alexis Sanchez.

The Citizens have already spent £137m to strengthen their squad with the addition of four new players this summer, most recently handing over £45m to make Kyle Walker the world's costliest defender.

Speculation is rife that Arsenal forward Sanchez remains Guardiola's top target for the remaining five weeks of the window, however, and another right-back also appears to be on his radar as Danilo is expected to join from Spanish giants Real Madrid later this week.

Probed by reporters in the United States ahead of City's first pre-season outing - a high-profile friendly with rivals Manchester United in Houston on Friday - the Catalan coach remained relatively coy when asked about incoming activity.

"Alexis plays for Arsenal. [Arsene Wenger] knows more than me," he said. "Unfortunately the market finishes August 31 - it should finish at the start of the season because it's too long.

"We have two really good strikers in Sergio [Aguero] and Gabriel Jesus so, in that terms, we are good, it's not about a striker. The problem was last season Gabriel was out for a long time and we would like to see both of them together.

"Danilo? We have many options from players coming, but until the deal is not done, out of respect for other clubs I cannot say anything."

Guardiola also confirmed that he expects Claudio Bravo to remain at the Etihad Stadium next season, despite the big-money arrival of Ederson from Benfica.