#SanchezSigns: Arsenal seal Alexis deal
Arsenal have underlined their English Premier League title intentions by splashing the cash for Chile star Alexis Sanchez.
Despite an outstanding World Cup campaign with La Roja where they eventually fell in the Round of 16 to hosts Brazil, Barcelona have deemed Sanchez surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp.
With a deal for disgraced Liverpool striker Luis Suarez in the works, the Catalans have opted to cash in on the former Udinese forward to the tune of around £35 million ($74.5m) with the Gunners more than happy to pay the sum to get their man.
Fantastic footballer
Speaking to the club's official website, 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 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."
Sanchez also told Arsenal.com: "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 arrival at the Emirates will surely give Gunners fans hope for the season ahead.
Even though he is just 25, the Chilean has 71 international caps and 24 goals to his name while he made 141 appearances and score 47 goals during three seasons with Barcelona.
Sources: Arsenal.com, BBC
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now