Manchester United have announced the signing of Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez on a four-and-a-half-year deal until 2022.
Sanchez has completed the move to Old Trafford with Henrikh Mkhitaryan going in the opposite direction and no fee involved.
The Chile international, who had entered the final six months of his Arsenal deal, was widely expected to join Manchester City at the start of the month but Jose Mourinho’s side hi-jacked the deal.
Sanchez has been presented with United’s iconic No.7 shirt and is free to make his debut for the Red Devils in Friday’s FA Cup fourth round match away to Yeovil.
The 29-year-old completed his United medical on Sunday, but needed to update his work permit on Monday before a deal could finally be announced.
"Manchester United is delighted to announce the signing of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in a deal that sees the Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan move in the opposite direction," a statement read on the club's official website.
On the move, 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.”
United head coach 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 that we will not forget, especially for his contribution to our Europa League victory.”
Sanchez was the only Premier League player to reach double figures for goals (24) and assists (10) last season and is eligible to take part in the knockout phase of the Champions League.
