Arsenal and United confirm swap deal

22/01/2018 London Football News Arsenal 0

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Arsenal and Manchester United have confirmed Alexis Sanchez’s move to Old Trafford in an exchange deal involving Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Chile forward Sanchez, 29, has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal.

It comes after months of speculation over his future as his Arsenal contract was due to expire at the end of the season.

He had been tipped to join Manchester City, who opted not to pursue their interest in him, paving the way for United to snap him up.

Midfielder Mkhitaryan, 29, moves in the opposite direction to after scoring 13 goals in 63 appearances for United.

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“I am thrilled to be joining the biggest club in the world,” Sanchez told United’s 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.”

Sanchez faced criticism, including from high-profile former Arsenal players, over his conduct during his final months at the Emirates Stadium.

However, in a post on Instagram, he thanked Arsenal and hit back at “former club players who have spoken with no knowledge of what happens inside the club and cause damage”, insisting he has always shown commitment to the Gunners.

Quiero agradecer al Staff Técnico, al equipo médico, a todos los compañeros con los que compartí muchas cosas lindas para el club y en especial a todas esas personas que no se ven en las portadas, pero que sin ellos nada seria posible, que son los que te preparan la comida y te cuidan día día, los que nos mantienen los zapatos limpios y campos de fútbol en las mejores condiciones para entrenar. Mil gracias a Ustedes por ayudarnos a mejorar cada día. Gracias por tanto cariño ?. Hay personas (ex jugadores del club) que han hablado sin conocimiento de lo que ocurre en la interna y causan daño. Debo decir que siempre me entregué al 100%, hasta el último día, en que le pedí al Mister estar con el equipo, por que quería ser un aporte. Recuerdo hoy, una conversación que tuve con Henry, un histórico de Arsenal, que cambió de club, por la misma razón que hoy me toca a mi. Gracias por todo Gunners ! 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

A post shared by Alexis Sanchez (@alexis_officia1) on

Mkhitaryan, meanwhile, told Arsenal’s website: “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.”