CONFIRMED! Arsenal announce signing of Sanchez

Arsenal have finally confirmed the signing of Barcelona and Chile forward Alexis Sanchez on a long-term deal.


The Gunners faced stiff competition from Liverpool and Juventus to sign Sanchez but won the race for the 25-year-old and have paid a reported £33million.

Wenger told the club's official website: “As many people have seen during the World Cup this summer, Alexis is a fantastic footballer and we are delighted that he is joining us at Arsenal Football Club.

"Alexis will add power, creativity and much quality to our squad and we are all looking forward to him joining up with us in a few weeks.

"He has consistently produced top-quality performances at the highest level for a number of seasons now and we are all excited to see him integrate into the Arsenal squad. I’m sure all Arsenal supporters will join me in welcoming Alexis to our club.”

Sanchez, who spent three seasons at the Nou Camp and scored 39 goals in 88 appearances, said: “I’m so happy to be joining Arsenal, a club which has a great manager, a fantastic squad of players, huge support around the world and a great stadium in London.

"I’m looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and to be playing for Arsenal in the Premier League and Champions League. I will give my best to Arsenal and want to make all the supporters happy.”

The Chilean striker, who has scored 24 times in 74 appearances for his nation, will join up with the squad at the end of July, after spending some time on holiday following the World Cup.

Sanchez is expected to make his debut for the Gunners at the Emirates Cup, which takes place on August 2 and 3.

Newcastle right-back Mathieu Debuchy is also expected to move to the Emirates in the coming days for a fee of £11m and as the replacement for Bacary Sagna, who joined Manchester City last month on a free transfer.