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Alexis Sanchez 'thrilled' to join Man United

Swop deal also sees Mkhitaryan realises 'dream' of playing for Arsenal

Alexis Sanchez said he was "thrilled to be joining the biggest club in the world" as he moved to Manchester United from Arsenal in a swop deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan yesterday morning (Singapore time).

The 29-year-old Chile striker, who came close to joining Manchester City last summer, has signed what is believed to be a four-and-a-half-year contract that will make him the highest-paid player in the English Premier League.

It has been widely reported that Sanchez will earn a pre-tax salary of £500,000 (S$920,000) a week.

Armenia international winger Mkhitaryan, also 29, will head to the Emirates after he fell out of favour with United manager Jose Mourinho during 18 months at Old Trafford.

Sanchez joined Arsenal for £31.7 million in 2014 after three years at Barcelona but his relationship with the Gunners soured after he tried to orchestrate a move to City last year.

In an Instagram post, he took a parting shot at ex-Arsenal players who have criticised his attitude.

"There are people (former club players) who have spoken with no knowledge of what happens inside the club and cause damage," Sanchez wrote.

"I must say I always gave 100 per cent, until the last day, when I asked to the Mister (Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger) to be in the team, because I wanted to be a contribution."

Last week, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown called Sanchez "football's biggest mercenary".

In a statement issued by United, Sanchez said he had spent "three-and-a-half wonderful years" at Arsenal "and I bring with me very positive memories of that great club and its fans".

Referring to Old Trafford, he said: "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 will be hoping their substantial investment helps close the gap on their Emirati-backed cross-city rivals Manchester City, who are streaking away with the Premier League title this season.

Sanchez will partner Romelu Lukaku in the United forward line, with England strikers Marcus Rashford, 20, and the in-form Jesse Lingard, 25, forced to fight for their places.

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."

Sanchez spent three years at Barcelona, winning La Liga in 2013. At Arsenal he twice lifted the FA Cup, but did not come close to an EPL title and his frustration has been evident this season amid reports of rows with teammates.

He has played 119 times for Chile and helped his nation win back-to-back Copa America titles in 2015 and 2016, although they failed to qualify for next year's World Cup in Russia.

Mkhitaryan joined United for around £30 million in 2016 after three years at Borussia Dortmund.

The highlight of his stay in Manchester was scoring in the Europa League final victory over Ajax last season and he also helped United win the League Cup.

Mkhitaryan told the Arsenal website he had "always dreamed of playing for Arsenal".

"Now that I'm here, I'll do my best for this club to create history," he said.

Arsenal boss Wenger said he was happy to acquire Mkhitaryan in the deal.

"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." - AFP

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