Alexis Sanchez: 'I’m so happy to be joining Arsenal, a club which has a great manager, a great squad of players, huge support around the world and a great stadium in London'

Published: 10 July, 2014
by CATHERINE ETOE

CHILE’S internationl star Alexis Sanchez tonight agreed to join Arsenal from Barcelona on a long-term deal.

The Gunners are keeping tight-lipped about how much they will pay for the 25-year-old striker, who it is hoped will add some much-needed spice to Arsenal’s attack, but it is thought to be in the region of £32million on a four-year contract.

In his three seasons and 88 appearances for Barcelona Sanchez scored 39 times and netted twice for Chile at the World Cup, helping the South American team reach the last 16 from a group which included the Netherlands, Spain and Australia.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: “As many people have seen during the World Cup this summer, Alexis is a fantastic footballer and we are delighted he is joining us.

“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 quality performances at the highest level for a number of seasons now and we are all excited to see him integrated into the Arsenal squad. I’m sure all Arsenal fans will join me in welcoming Alexis to our club.”

Sanchez said: “I’m so happy to be joining Arsenal, a club which has a great manager, a great 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 want to make the supporters happy.”

The striker travelled to London Colney today (Thursday) for a medical and will join the squad later this month, after finishing a post-World Cup holiday with his family. He is expected to make his debut at the Emirates Stadium in the Emirates Cup in August.