Alexis to undergo Arsenal medical ahead of €40m move

By Wayne Veysey | UK Correspondent

Alexis Sanchez will undergo a medical at Arsenal on Thursday as he puts the finishing touches to a €40 million move from Barcelona, mwanasports understands.

The Gunners have finalised a deal with the Spanish giants that is the second-biggest transfer outlay in the club’s history.

Goal understands that Alexis will arrive at Arsenal’s London Colney headquarters at 17:00CET on Thursday to undertake a medical and complete the formalities of his switch from Camp Nou.

The signing is expected to be announced within the next 24 hours as Arsenal also prepare to unveil the capture of Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle United in a deal that will cost £8m (€10m) plus appearance-related add-ons. The France international had a medical at Arsenal on Monday and the club took the official pictures that will be used to trumpet his arrival.

It is the signing of Alexis, however, that will excite Arsenal fans, with the 25-year-old at the peak of his career and regarded as one of the most exciting forwards in the world. The Chilean had an outstanding World Cup and only Lionel Messi scored more than Alexis' 21 goals for Barcelona last season.

His capture is a real statement of intent from manager Arsene Wenger, who will team him up at Emirates Stadium with €50m club-record signing Mesut Ozil.

Arsenal chiefs, led by manager Arsene Wenger in Brazil, have been working hard over the last week on convincing the 25-year-old to choose a move to Emirates Stadium ahead of Juventus and Manchester United, having agreed the transfer fee and financial terms in principle last week. Liverpool were linked strongly with Alexis but were never regarded by Arsenal as serious rivals for his signature.

Wenger and his scouts believe the former Udinese man has the attributes to be developed into a centre-forward at Emirates Stadium - a role in which he performed with aplomb at the World Cup.