Alexis Sanchez joins Arsenal, Debuchy to follow

Alexis Sanchez is expected to debut for Arsenal next month having agreed a deal with the London club. Picture: AFP/Getty

The 25-year-old Chile international completed his medical in London yesterday, and will join up with his new team-mates at the end of July after spending some time on holiday following the World Cup.

Sanchez, who won the 2013 Primera Division title and 2012 Copa del Rey with Barca, is likely to make his first appearance for his new club at the Emirates Cup over the weekend of 2-3 August.

The Gunners are also expected to bring in France defender Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle, as manager Arsene Wenger looks to build on last season’s FA Cup final success. They have also been linked with Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Sami Khedira.

Bringing in Sanchez, who also had interest from Liverpool and Juventus, will present something of a personal coup for Wenger, who 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,” Wenger said.

“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 scored 39 goals over three seasons with Barca. He has netted 24 goals in 71 appearances for Chile and helped his country reach the last 16 of this summer’s World Cup.

“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,” the player said.