In reply to: Ox wasn't out of contract. Sanchez can (and will) leave for posted by tex29
it wasn't going to make a formal offer until Arsenal indicated a willingness to sell. Arsenal had an informal offer all summer. It knew what was what from City's end. It didn't find a replacement because it was indecisive and negligent. Not because it it was unaware of City's intent to buy Sanchez.
Arsenal is not calling Man City to tell them.
Don't be so naive.
A club has to make an offer to the selling club. Willingness to sell is not some flag that is put up outside the stadium.
as I indicated above.
Nasri, Fabregas, RVP just for starters.
think negotiations begin with a formal offer. Once Arsenal informally told City it was open to a deal, City made a formal offer. This happens all the time. Clubs speak and negotiate informally. Once it gets to later stages, paperwork is exchanged. For Arsenal to act as if it didn't know City wanted to buy Sanchez, for £50 million, until Tuesday of this week is just silly.
they acted to meet their valuation + make a replacement.
Clubs can agree to a transfer fee and then be permitted to personal terms with the agent and player. Its three or four parties involved to make it happen for one transfer let alone two players and other factors (Mbappe and DiMaria).