The Gunners have been locked in negotiations over the transfer of Chile forward Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona throughout the past couple of weeks of the summer. They were facing stiff competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool, who were also keen to include him in the deal which could well be sending Luis Suarez in the opposite direction.

However, Arsenal is the preferred choice for Sanchez, who is no longer wanted at the club by new Barca boss Luis Enrique. Liverpool have subsequently dropped out of the running and left the Gunners free to finalise a big money move.

According to the Guardian, Arsene Wenger has spent around £30million to secure Sanchez and the report says that the Frenchman has got the Chilean attacker to sign a 5 year contract to join Arsenal. The striker will boost Arsenal’s attacking options for next season and Arsene believes that Sanchez gives the Gunners a geunine chance to win the Premier League. In a statement released to confirm the transfer Wenger, who is still working for French TV covering the World Cup, said of his new striker,

“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,”

“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.”

So Arsene has made a big move well before the transfer deadline and it surely is a statement of intent. Sanchez is truly world class and it says a lot that he was convinced to join Arsenal at this time. Long may these types of signings continue.