Transfer News: Alexis Sanchez Barcelona forward signs for Arsenal

The Chilian  Alexis Sanchez  an striker international striker has just signed up from Barcelona to Arsenal. The contract is said to be a long term contract which he signed for  £35million.

The 25-year-old who played his international football in Spain for Barcelona had scored a toatl of  47 goals in 141 appearances for Barca and  two goals in the World Cup in Brazil.

Sanchez: "I'm so happy to be joining a club which has a great manager, a fantastic squad of players and huge support around the world.

"I'm looking forward to playing in the Premier League and Champions League."

Also Arsenal  also remain on course to sign French right-back Mathieu Debuchy, 28, from Newcastle United.

Most expensive summer transfers involving British clubs this summer

Liverpool were also keen on recruiting the forward as part of the deal that is likely to take  Luis Suarez their striker from Anfield to Camp Nou , but that is now expected to be a straight cash transfer.

Juventus had also shown a strong interest in Sanchez but are reportedly closing in on Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata.

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.

"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, who has made 71 appearances for Chile, scoring 24 goals, helped his country reach the World Cup last 16 where they lost on penalties to Brazil.

He completed his medical in London on Thursday and will join up with his new team-mates at the end of July, after spending some time on holiday following the World Cup.

In addition to pursuing Debuchy, Arsenal are still in the market for a holding midfielder and back-up goalkeeper.

Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez helped Chile to the World Cup's last 16

Their move for the defender is at an advanced stage but the clubs are yet to agree a fee, with Newcastle understood to be seeking in the region of £10m.

Debuchy would replace Bacary Sagna, who left Arsenal to join Manchester City.

Should the proposed transfer go through it would double the Magpies' money on a player who joined from Lille for £5m in January 2013.

7/10/2014