Man United announce signing of Alexis Sanchez; Arsenal get Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Alexis Sanchez has completed his move from Arsenal to Manchester United, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving in the opposite direction, the clubs have announced.
🎹 Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats. Introducing #Alexis7…#GGMU #MUFC @Alexis_Sanchez pic.twitter.com/t9RIIx4mE4
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 22, 2018
The Chile forward arrives at Old Trafford after three-and-a-half years at the Emirates.
"I am thrilled to be joining the biggest club in the world," Sanchez said on the United website.
Sanchez added on the United website: "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."
Boss Mourinho said: "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."
Arsenal said Mkhitaryan had signed "a long-term contract".
The Armenian 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."
Love that, @HenrikhMkh - we're delighted to have you here 🔴 pic.twitter.com/PDABMfhsNx
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 22, 2018
Arsene Wenger added: "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."
Mkhitaryan has already endeared himself to the Arsenal fans - by revealing his admiration for club great Thierry Henry.
"I always loved the way that Arsenal played and the way that Arsene Wenger has managed the team. There have been a lot of young players, he's managed them and they've done very well. Of course I was in love with the game of Thierry Henry. I loved the way he played - and maybe that was the reason to support Arsenal," he said in an interview on the club website.
More to follow...
