Arsenal sign Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona.

The 25-year-old has joined on a long-term contract for a fee undisclosed by the club,however Sky Sports are reporting the figure to be in the region of £35million.

Sanchez, who starred as Chile reached the last-16 of the World Cup, said: “I’m so happy to be joining Arsenal – a club with a great manager, a fantastic squad of players, huge support around the world and a great stadium in London.”

Considered one of the most exciting attacking players in world football, Sanchez made over 100 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona after a 2011 move from Udinese, scoring 43 goals in three seasons with the Catalonians.

But despite his contribution to their 2013 La Liga and 2012 Copa del Rey triumphs, among a number of other domestic trophies, Barcelona believed he was no longer required at Camp Nou beyond this summer.

The player will now take leave for holiday before joining up with his new meamates later in July, and the club expect Sanchez to make his first Arsenal appearance at the Emirates Cup on the weekend of August 2.

Sanchez is Arsenal’s first signing of the summer but they are also understood to be close to the signing of France right-back Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle.