EPL 2011 Transfers: Arsenal get Alexis Sanchez for 23 million pounds

After a month’s struggle, Barcelona finally confirmed the deal for Alexis Sanchez, the Chilean forward. The Catalan club confirmed the deal on its website, and will pay 23 million pounds for his services.

The only surprising thing about the deal is the price for which Sanchez has been bought. Figures close to 35 million pounds were discussed before Sanchez left for the Copa America and Udinese were adamant in not selling for a price less than 30 million. The price will be a disappointing thing for Chelsea and Manchester City, who were also interested in securing the services of the Chilean.

However, it is Barcelona who have come out on top and should be formidable this season as well. However, on the same day they acquired Sanchez, another squad player departed from the side. Bojan Krkic has moved to the Italian club, AS Roma for a price of 10.6 million pounds.

However, the deal is more likely to favor the Catalans than the Romans. The deal has gone through with Barcelona having a buy back option. The Catalans can buy the Spaniard back after two years for a price of 11.5 million pounds. If Roma were to make the deal a permanent one, then they need to buy loads of money after two years, which is highly unlikely to happen.

Krkic, who has come through the youth academy of Barcelona, has not featured heavily in the plans of Pep Guardiola, the Barcelona manager. Even though he was won numerous trophies with Barcelona, he has always been a peripheral player, who was used mainly in the low profile games.

The signing of Sanchez will give Barcelona a new dimension. He had an outstanding season for Udinese last year and set the Serie A ablaze with some electrifying performances. He is most likely to play on the left side for Barcelona and David Villa is likely to go back to the middle.

Guardiola had said that Sanchez was the top priority this summer a few days back. Now that the deal has been tied up, the Catalans are likely to focus on bringing Cesc Fabregas home from Arsenal.

The Barcelona manager had also confirmed that a transfer amount has been set aside for Fabregas and Barceloan would use it. Barcelona’s offer of 27 million pounds was rejected by Arsenal and the Catalans are likely to go for a better offer next week.