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Sanchez worth more than Cesc - Udinese

Udinese are driving a hard bargain for Alexis Sanchez © Getty Images

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Gianpaolo Pozzo has warned Barcelona and Manchester City that they may have to stump up as much as €50 million to prise in-demand winger Alexis Sanchez away from the club - with the Udinese owner insisting the forward is worth more than Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas and Chelsea target Neymar.

Barca remain favourites to sign the talented Chilean and Pozzo himself said on Thursday that the Catalans were "ahead of City", while Sanchez's Spanish representative Quique Pina claimed earlier this week that a deal was "80% done".

That deal was thought to be worth around €45 million with the European champions reported to have thrown in youngster Jeffren as part of any transfer.

But Pozzo, who is set to make a healthy profit on the player he brought in from Cobreloa for around €2 million in 2006, has stressed that any club will have to meet a figure nearer €50 million if they want to take Sanchez.

"If Barca want him, they have to pay his fair price, which is €50million," Pozzo was quoted as saying by AS. "He is the piece missing in Guardiola's puzzle, a player who makes the difference.

"You do not have to see it as an expensive transfer, since I am sure Madrid will not win anything next year if Barca sign him. I am sure this alone is enough to justify his price.

"That is the math they should do, besides thinking they will be signing a rising star just 22 years old who will bring much joy for at least a decade."

Pozzo believes €50 million is a fair price tag for Sanchez, who he feels is worth more than the likes of Sergio Aguero, Cesc Fabregas and Neymar, who have also been tipped to make big money moves this summer.

"The truth is that Manchester City are making an offer which is more generous that that from Barcelona," Pozzo said. "This is not going into a fight, but if Cesc is worth €40 million and Neymar and Sergio Aguero €45 million, I say Alexis Sanchez is worth €50 million. Since I am the one who puts the price, well, that's what there is.

"He's the best player of his generation. He's like Cristiano Ronaldo when he was 22. We know when we have a diamond - Alexis Sanchez is one."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.