Done Deal: Arsenal confirm Alexis Sanchez capture

Arsenal have officially confirmed the signing of Chile and ex Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean who widely impressed at this summers World Cup joins the North London side on a four year deal for a fee reportedly set to reach £30m with add ons.

Arsenal.com today confirmed that Sanchez would join the first team squad at the end of July after being granted a few weeks holiday after reaching the last 16 with his national team.

It is not yet clear what number the 25 year old will occupy but there is a strong suspicion that he will pick up the number 18 jersey vacated by Sebastian Squillaci although it is also considered viable that he will take Kieran Gibbs’ old number 28 after the left back recently took the number 3 shirt.
Arsene Wenger voiced his pleasure at the signing on Arsenal.com,

“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 also spoke of his happiness at joining the London club,

“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.”

Sanchez will likely make his Arsenal debut this pre season during the Emirates Cup and is also expected to feature in the upcoming Charity Shield clash with Manchester City.