Alexis strengthens Barcelona's firepower

FC Barcelona have completed the signing of Chilean international forward Alexis Sánchez from Udinese Calcio for a fee reported to be in the region of €26m.

The 22-year-old – who claimed his 40th international cap at this summer's Copa América – arrives at Camp Nou after agreeing a five-year deal with the Spanish and European club champions.

Alexis scored 20 goals in his 95 league appearances for Udinese, after joining the Serie A side from CD Cobreloa as a 16-year-old in 2006. He spent subsequent loan spells at CSD Colo-Colo and CA River Plate before establishing himself as a regular with the Friulani.

Last season the forward's 12 goals helped his side finish fourth in the league standings and drew the praise of numerous admirers, not least Udinese president Giampaolo Pozzo who said: "I might be the wrong person to judge, but for me he is on the same level as [Lionel] Messi."

Udinese are hoping to qualify for the UEFA Champions League via the play-offs, while holders Barça will enter the tournament at the group stage.