1. I think we're overpaying him a little if the numbers reported are accurate, but in terms of the effect on future transfers, I believe the answer is very little. These wages are a fraction of our club's turnover. And in terms of Bale, most sensible United fans would not want him anyway; great player in theory but incredibly injury prone.
2. Mata extended his contract a few weeks ago, I don't think he's likely to be affected. Even if Sanchez does end up taking his place in the team (which is far from certain) Mata can still make important contributions for us.
3. I wouldn't say its worth it just to stop Pep and City. Sanchez is a proven matchwinner; a player able to create something from nothing. You need players like that in order to win titles. It's like Jose said: when a player like that becomes available, you do anything you can to sign him. Especially if you don't have another player like him.
4. Mata and Lingard are probably under the greatest threat. I think he will start of on the right for us (sort of as an inverted winger) before eventually moving to the #10 role. He'll make the occasional appearance at LW as well. Frankly it doesn't matter much where he plays, he's quality regardless.
5. I'd consider targeting Griezmann if I thought he was going to a rival, but that kind of player is probably less of a priority now. We will probably prioritize a 3rd midfielder to play with Matic and Pogba so we can play a 4-3-3 and give the latter the freedom he merits.
6. I don't think we will catch City but as they slow down he will bring us close. We're really buying him for next season. I honestly believe that if we'd had him since the start of this season we'd be nipping at City's heels right now.
I personally don't think its a gamble at all; its a no-brainer. He's perfect for us in so many ways and I think he'll have a big effect on us.
1. From what I've read, his basic wages are at just about 270K (gross) with the rest as add-ons (bonus, image rights etc.). This too is likely an exaggeration, given the Press' record with inflating numbers to generate clicks. Regardless though, our wages:turnover ratio is the best in the league and we're in no danger of financial instability. We're run by a former banker, so I'm pretty certain the math has been worked out. And yeah, haven't seen anyone clamouring for Bale! For the rest, every player (and agent) knows the wages on offer at various places and gets the best possible deals. It's not like you can benchmark to the best-paid randomly and loads of factors come into play.
3. Sanchez is a typical Mourinho-style player I would say and unlike what the Press would have us believe, I don't think he suits Guardiola's style. This is also borne out by his numbers under Guardiola and the comments made at the time. Would Guardiola give him the license to "do his thing" at the expense of Silva, KdB et al? Doubt it. He's historically ruthless in discarding stars that don't fit his style. For Jose though, his drive, commitment and desire are the perfect fit. It's not about City for me. Alexis is perfect for us!
6. Yeah, we'll cement 2nd certainly, be thereabouts if City slip and build for the next PL season. More immediately though, I genuinely (go ahead, laugh if you will) feel he gives us a decent-ish shot at the CL. Sevilla should be negotiated now and with PSG/Real, we're down to just Barca, PSG/Real, Bayern and City as the real threats. Of these as well, Barca and Bayern don't look half as tough this season as before. If we get our defence sorted (Bailly back!) and can have a fit and firing squad, we could well go deep.
