Alexis Sanchez’s arrival has shown that Arsenal are ready to compete and want to show intent in this transfer window. For the second summer in succession a marquee signing has joined the club and the fans can count themselves lucky that such talent is finally venturing across to North London. Sanchez was the type of forward Arsenal have been lacking for a few years now, someone with real pace and power who also has the ability to create and score goals. The Chilean has signed a four-year deal and is currently 25, so still has a lot more developing to do even though he’s currently playing a such a good level.
Sanchez started his career in Chile and Arsenal are his 6th club (loans included).
- 2005–2006 Cobreloa
- 2006–2011 Udinese
- 2006–2007 → Colo-Colo (loan)
- 2007–2008 → River Plate (loan)
- 2011–2014 Barcelona
- 2014– Arsenal
In his career Sanchez’s moves have cost a combined price of almost £60 million and he has picked up vast playing experience in Seria A and La Liga with Udinese and Barcelona respectively. His best goals return came in Spain, where he recorded 39 league goals in just under 90 games from predominately a right-wing position. Last season Sanchez’s stats were very impressive, in total he made 34 appearances, netting 19 goals, creating 47 chances and completing 80% of his passes. His powerful bursts and constant work rate mean he is a menace for opposition when defending or attacking and he is often seen tracking back and putting in a shift for the team, unlike so many of the modern forwards that play today. At the World Cup Sanchez netted 2 goals in 4 games, a perfect forward’s record and also created 7 chances for his team-mates. His level throughout last season didn’t really drop and he put in consistent performances for club and country as shown by these ever impressive stats.
List of Career trophies:
- Primera División Winner 1x 2012/2013     (Spain)
- Runner-up 2x 2013/2014, 2011/2012 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â “
- Primera División Winner 1x 2006 Clausura ( Chile)
- Copa del Rey Winner 1x 2011/2012 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â (Spain)
- Super Cup Winner 2x 2013/2014, 2011/2012 Â Â Â “
- Copa Catalunya Winner 1x 2013/2014 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â “
- Club International                             “
- UEFA Super Cup Winner 1x 2011/2012 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â “
- FIFA Club World Cup Winner 1x 2011 Japan    “
For a relatively young player Sanchez has already one a lot of trophies and this winning mentality and experience should benefit Arsenal in the coming seasons. An appetite for winning is needed in a team that wants titles and Sanchez carries this quality. In his career he has already scored 75 league goals across some of the biggest leagues in world football. His goalscoring record for his country isn’t too shabby either (24 in 71). The Chilean clearly has an eye for goal, and his physical presence and skill should fit into the Arsenal side very comfortably. This signing is another signal of intent from Wenger and with these impressive stats to back him up, it could be an inspired one.