United sign Sanchez under rivals’ nose
Alexis Sanchez has signed for Manchester United in a deal worth around £55m it has just been announced by the club.
Sanchez was linked with a move away from the Gunners all of last summer. His club held firm, but with his contract expiring in the May, coupled with Arsenal’s poor form, an exit was inevitable.
The Chilean international had looked set to reunite with former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The current runaway leaders in the Premiership were linked with him all of last season. They were intially thought to be the favourites to sign the unhappy star.
However it is José Mourinho who will be his new boss, with Sanchez set to be one if the highest earners in the Premier League.
It is difficult to understate the importance of this signing to the Red Devils. Adding one of the best forwards in the Premier League to a squad that has been criticised for lacking a real attacking edge. A decision that could define their season.
Sanchez spoke of his delight at swapping one red shirt for another. He said:
“I am thrilled to be joining the biggest club in the world,” said 29-year-old Chile international forward Sanchez.
“I have spent three-and-a-half wonderful years at Arsenal and I bring with me very positive memories of that great club and its fans.
As for Arsene Wenger and the North Londoners, they have lost yet another key man to a title rival. They will face an uphill battle to finish in the top four after losing their top striker. Though the Gunners had a convincing win over Crystal Palace this weekend without Sanchez.
They will surely now be looking to re-in force their Arsenal. That is, if they are to maintain a challenge for the Champions League places.
Arsenal fans will be keenly watching the confirmation of new acquisition of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and thus the future of unhappy Mezut Ozil. With the window closure imminent, the race for marquee signings continues.
We are delighted to announce the signing of @Alexis_Sanchez from Arsenal.
Full details: https://t.co/nUitNnNbV9 pic.twitter.com/S3ft22e7Jo
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 22, 2018