Manchester City players have been openly discussing the potential arrival of Alexis Sanchez this summer.
City boss Pep Guardiola remains in a battle to secure the wantaway Arsenal forward in a deal worth around £50million.
There is an anticipation within the squad that the Chilean will head to the Etihad this summer, with some wondering where that leaves the current forwards, report the Manchester Evening News.
Guardiola is determined to add more firepower to his attack and has pursued Sanchez and Kylian Mbappe throughout this transfer window.
Mbappe’s £100m-plus price tag and Real Madrid’s interest in him has always made Sanchez the more attainable target in the eyes of City’s hierarchy - even if they have steadfastly refused to drop out of the race for Monaco’s teenage sensation.
Arsenal are adamant they will not sell their leading scorer, despite his refusal to sign an extension to his contract.
The 28-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his deal at the Emirates and can leave on a free next summer.
While Arsenal insist they are willing to gamble on Sanchez walking away for nothing, the hope at City is that they will buckle before the transfer window closes at the end of August.
Guardiola already has Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus in attack, but has made a top class striker one of his priorities after bemoaning City’s wastefulness in front of goal last season.