Alexis Sanchez has finally been unveiled as a Manchester United player after an intensely followed transfer saga that ended with a swap deal which took Henrikh Mkhitaryan to the Arsenal.
Sanchez has signed a four and a half year deal with the Reds until the summer of 2022 while Mkhitaryan, who scored 13 times in 63 appearances for United.
Sanchez will take on the iconic number 7 shirt at United and he could make his Reds debut at Yeovil in the FA Cup this Friday.
Speaking about his transfer, Sanchez said:
“I am thrilled to be joining the biggest club in the world. 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.
“The chance to play in this historic stadium and work with Jose Mourinho was something I could not turn down.
“I am proud to be the first Chilean player ever to play for United’s first team and I hope I can show our fans all around the world why the club wanted to bring me here.”
https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/955500480582500353
His new manager, Jose Mourinho, added: “Alexis is one of the best attacking players in the world and he will complete our very young and talented group of attacking players. He will bring his ambition, drive, and personality.
“Qualities that make a Manchester United player and a player that makes the team stronger and the supporters proud of their club dimension and prestige.
“I would like to wish Henrikh all the success and happiness that I am sure he is going to get. He is a player we will not forget, especially for his contribution to our Europa League victory.”
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
The Chilean forward had been expected to join Manchester City after a summer transfer saga that saw him almost join Pep Guardiola’s players only for a last minute summer deal with Arsenal to collapse because the Gunners couldn’t complete a deal for Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar.
And City were reportedly put off by an increasing set of new contract demands from Sanchez’ agent when they tried to come back in again for him following an injury to Gabriel Jesus.
https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/955504227979268097
In any event, with Jesus due back sooner than expected and the Blues concerned at the effect on team spirit within the squad City withdrew from what had been expected to become a bidding war between the two clubs.
It’s expected that Sanchez will earn a staggering net sum of around £14m a season at Old Trafford – around £290,000 a week.
New player, Old Trafford.
Welcome, @Alexis_Sanchez! #Alexis7 pic.twitter.com/Z2Ob2nzmDM
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 22, 2018
The weekend has been filled with reports of Sanchez’ movements from boarding a jet in London to reach Manchester to filming a short promotional video to announce his signing and finally with visits to the immigration office in Liverpool to apply for extensions to existing work permits for both Sanchez and Mkhitaryan and the final confirmation of the transfer will be a relief to fans of both United and Arsenal.