Manuel Pellegrini has admitted that he would have loved to sign Alexis Sanchez for Manchester City, but his wish was scuppered by UEFA Financial Fair Play laws.
The Chilean has quickly become a favourite at Arsenal since completing a move from Barcelona in the summer of 2014.
Alexis has also lifted two Copas America with his nation, leaving Pellegrini to lament the failure to bring his compatriot to the Etihad Stadium.
“He was one of the best in the world and he showed it every day,” Pellegrini explained to radio station ADN.
“He was a major player we wanted to take to City.