Manchester United confirmed the signing of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan heading in the opposite direction, in a statement on Monday.
“I am thrilled to be joining the biggest club in the world,” said Sanchez.
“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 is expected to be the highest ever paid player in
the Premier League, with British media reporting a pre-tax salary of £500 000 a
week.
The swap deal that sees Armenia international winger
Mkhitaryan, also 29, head to the Emirates following a mixed 18 months at Old
Trafford had been expected for several days.
Sanchez had joined Arsenal in 2014 for £31.7 million after three years at Barcelona.
United manager 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.
The perfect #MondayMotivation! 👌
@Alexis_Sanchez #Alexis7 pic.twitter.com/XV1u2VOHvr
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 22, 2018
“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.”