ALEXIS SANCHEZ – the latest on huge Premier League transfer
- Henrikh Mkhitaryan, one of Jose Mourinho’s first signings, has joined Arsenal as part of the deal
- Sanchez will earn £500,000 a week at Old Trafford
- Alexis said: “I am thrilled to be joining the biggest club in the world.”
Once, twice, six times a dream…
21:10: Sanchez said signing for Manchester United was a “dream” SIX times in his welcome interview – yet he didn’t even know who had worn the club’s famous No 7 shirt.
Speaking for the first time as a United player, Sanchez said: “Since I was a young lad I’ve always said that my dream was to play for Manchester United, and I’m not just saying that because I’m here now and today it’s come true.
“I always said as a kid that I’d like to play for United
Yet despite saying he’s waned to play for United since he was young, Sanchez then appeared to admit he didn’t even know who had donned the No 7.
He told MUTV: “When they told me that Cristiano, Eric Cantona, David Beckham had all worn it, just thinking about that number seven sets you off dreaming in your head with ideas about lifting the Champions League trophy and winning the Premier League title.”
Wenger on Sanchez
20:15: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists Alexis Sanchez was committed to the club until his last day after he completed his move to Manchester United.
“He’s a very professional player who has been committed until the last minute,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.
”In training, he was practising with full power, so I never questioned that. I never had any doubts about that.
“He’s a world-class player who has contributed well to us and was a star here. I would like to thank him for his contribution here and I wish him well.
“He’s very attached to Arsenal and we were very attached to him as well, so it is not with pleasure that we lose him but it’s part of professional life.”
Lingard welcomes Sanchez
19:45: Jesse Lingard has welcomed Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United in a way that only Jesse Lingard could!
The cheeky United midfielder, who’s been in imperious form lately, sent a message to the Chilean on Twitter.
Lingard posted a picture of him on the phone, along with the caption: “Hello, is that Alexis Sanchez? Welcome to Manchester United. I knew you wanted to come Milly Rock with the mandem.”
Oh, and for those wondering, ‘Milly Rock’ is a dance that Lingard has done recently to celebrate scoring…
United’s illustrious No.7
19:15: Chile international Alexis Sanchez has completed his move from Arsenal to Manchester United and will take the number seven shirt.
Some of the other players who have worn the jersey with success in the past include; George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Some rather large shoes to fill…
INSTAGRAM
Alexis Sanchez has hit out at former Arsenal players in a farewell message
Sanchez blasts Arsenal legends in farewell message
19:00: Alexis Sanchez has hit out at former Arsenal players in a farewell message posted on his official Instagram page.
The 29-year-old has been criticised by the likes of Martin Keown in recent days, and Sanchez has hit back at ex-Arsenal players, but did not name who his criticism was targeted at.
Sanchez wrote on Instagram: “I want to say thanks to the Technical Staff, to the medical team and all teammates with whom I shared many nice things for the club and especially those people who do not see themselves on the covers, but without them nothing would be possible, which are there to prepare food for us and take care of us day by day, those who keep our shoes clean and the grass in the best conditions.
“Many thanks to you for helping us to improve every day. Thank you very much.
“There are people (former club players) who have spoken with no knowledge of what happens inside the club and cause damage. I must say I always gave 100%, until the last day, when I asked to the Mister to be in the team, because I wanted to be a contribution.
“I remember today, a conversation I had with Henry, a historic Arsenal player, who changed club for the same reason and today is my turn.
“Thanks for everything Gunners! All we achieved and the good moments that I gave to the club, I want to dedicate it to the fans, they are the most important. Thanks for every time you sing Alexis Sanchez Baby.”
Piers Morgan welcomes Mkhitaryan
18:45: Arsenal supporter Piers Morgan has welcomed Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a typically provocative fashion.
The Gunners diehard tweeted a picture of the Armenia international, and took the opportunity to take a dig at Manchester United.
He wrote: “Welcome Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Always rated you – just sorry you had to endure such a depressing time with a lesser club first.”
I’m sure that won’t send Twitter into meltdown…
ARSENAL
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has joined Arsenal in a swap deal for Alexis Sanchez
Arsenal’s farewell message to Alexis
18:25: Arsenal bid Alexis Sanchez farewell in a short statement on their website.
“Alexis scored 80 goals in 166 appearances during his time with us. He was part of two Emirates FA Cup-winning squads (2015 and 2017), scoring in both finals. We thank Alexis for his contribution to the club,” Arsenal said.
Mkhitaryan speaks for first time
18:20: On his move, Henrikh said: “I’m very happy that we could finish this deal and I’m very happy to be here. It’s a dream come true because I’ve always dreamed of playing for Arsenal. Now that I’m here, I’ll do my best for this club to create history.”
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: “Henrikh is a very complete player. He creates chances, he defends well, he can absorb distances and he’s very committed as well. I must say he’s a player who has all the attributes.”
The cringey announcement
18:15: A video of the cringe-worthy announcement is above. It features Alexis Sanchez playing ‘Glory glory Man United’.
Speaking about his transfer for the first time. Alexis 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 to work with Jose Mourinho was something I could not turn down. I am very 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.”
GETTY/TWITTER
Alexis Sanchez has been caught taking a selfie in a Man Utd shirt
DEAL IS DONE!
18:00: The deal is done! Alexis Sanchez is a Manchester United player!
And Henrikh Mkhitaryan has moved in the other direction.
The news has been officially confirmed now – but what’s this? Have Man City tried to hijack it?
They have just announced that Kevin De Bruyne has signed a new contract.
United usually announce on the hour
17:40: Traditionally, United announce moves exactly on the hour – 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, anyone?
Or will they leave it until 1am a la Paul Pogba?
United usually announce on the hour
17:40: Traditionally, United announce moves exactly on the hour – 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, anyone?
Or will they leave it until 1am a la Paul Pogba?
Either way, we expect the deal to be done shortly. It’s happening, folks.
Alexis Sanchez is to become a Manchester United player.
Sanchez followed United on Instagram
17:30: If you missed it earlier today, Sanchez dropped a big clue he was joining United after following them on Instagram.
It’s far from the only clue, mind you. He was yesterday snapped taking a selfie in a United shirt…
INSTAGRAM
Sanchez followed United on Instagram
17:10: Alexis Sanchez will complete his move from Manchester United to Arsenal tonight, Express Sport understands.
The deal, which will see Henrikh Mkhitaryan move the opposite way from Old Trafford to the Emirates Stadium, is set to be announced by the clubs in the coming hours.
It is believed most of the formalities have now been finalised with the renewal of work permits one of the last issues to be resolved before the transfers of both players are completed.
Footage of Sanchez, 29, outside the Home Office building in Liverpool emerged online on Monday afternoon. The Chile forward would have travelled there to update his work permit with details of his new employer. Mkhitaryan visited the same office.
Sanchez will earn close to £500,000 per week at Old Trafford, including bonuses and image rights.
United moved for the forward earlier this month when it became clear he wanted to leave Arsenal during the current transfer window rather than wait until he came out of contract in the summer.
GETTY
Alexis Sanchez will join Man Utd in a swap deal
Prior to that he had been expected to join Manchester City, who had a deal worth up to £60million accepted for Sanchez last August but could not complete a deal on transfer deadline day.
City considered bidding again in January but pulled out last week due to the rising costs involved. The Premier League leaders did not want to pay a fee of more than £20million while United were not only willing to meet Arsenal’s £35million asking price, but offer much higher wages.
The fee has since been cancelled out by United’s willingness to trade Mkhitaryan, who is valued at the same price, in a straight-swap deal.
Sanchez has scored 80 goals in 166 appearances since joining Arsenal from Barcelona in 2014.
Mkhitaryan, 29, has played 63 times for United after arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, scoring 13 goals, although he has recently struggled for game time under Jose Mourinho.
Speaking on Saturday, United boss Mourinho said the deal was “so close” while Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger claimed “in the next 48 hours it will be decided one way or the other”.