​Manchester United unveils Alexis Sanchez

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Manchester United on Monday confirmed the signing of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan heading in the opposite direction.

“I am thrilled to be joining the biggest club in the world,” said 29-year-old Chile international forward 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 ($695,000, 567,000 euros) 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.

“Alexis is one of the best attacking players in the world and he will complete our very young and talented group of attacking players,” said United manager Jose Mourinho.

Forward player has also sent a message to Arsenal fans via his official Instagram page to thank them for his time at the club after completing his transfer to Manchester United on Monday.

The Chilean international’s signing was announced this evening, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan also moving in the opposite direction to join the Gunners.

The 29-year-old was keen to express his love for Arsenal’s supporters.

He also appeared to hit out at former player Martin Keown for his comments in the press recently.