Arsenal complete Alexis Sánchez signing
Thursday, July 10, 2014
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Chile forward Alexis Sánchez has joined Arsenal FC on a long-term contract from Spanish Liga giants FC Barcelona for a fee reported to be in the region of €44m.
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Chile forward Alexis Sánchez has joined Arsenal FC from FC Barcelona for a fee reported to be in the region of €44m.
The exact details of the deal have not been disclosed by the Gunners, who have only confirmed that the 25-year-old has signed a "long term contract".
"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," said Sánchez. "I'm looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and playing for Arsenal in the Premier League and Champions League. I will give my best for Arsenal and want to make all the supporters happy."
Sánchez scored 39 goals in 88 Liga outings during his three-year stay at Barcelona, whom he joined after shining in Italy's Serie A with Udinese Calcio. The 2010/11 Serie A player of the year – dubbed 'El Niño Maravilla' (the Boy Wonder) in Argentina for his displays on loan at CA River Plate as a teenager – brings top-level experience to Arsène Wenger's side.
Sánchez made 24 appearances in the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona, and finished Chile's run to the round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup with two goals and two assists to his name.
Wenger said: "Alexis is a fantastic footballer and we are delighted he is joining us. Alexis will add power, creativity and much quality to our squad. He has consistently produced top-quality performances at the highest level for a number of seasons now."