Multiple sources reporting that Arsenal has secured the signatures of Alexis (Sanchez) and Mathieu Debuchy. Alexis is a 25-year old Chilean striker who most recently played for Barça. He has reportedly been purchased for between £30-40 million. The sale helped Barça offset the cost of purchasing Luis Suarez from Liverpool, who were also in for Alexis but he preferred Arsenal. Alexis finished with three points (two goals) in the World Cup for Chile. At only 5'6", Alexis is small for a forward, but could be played in tandem with Olivier Giroud. Alexis will replace outgoing strikers Nicklas Bendtner and Ju Park. Debuchy, 28, has reportedly been secured from Newcastle for about £8-million and will serve as a direct replacement for Bacary Sanga, who recently signed a three-year deal with Manchester City. Debuchy played in four of France's five World Cup games, with Didier Deschamps prefering him to Sanga who only played in one. Debuchy can play as a fullback, wing back, and right midfielder. The signing is a bit of a surprise for Arsenal if it comes to fruition as Arsene Wenger typically prefers to avoid signing players so close to 30 years old (Debuchy will be 29 at the end of the month). It suggests that he has expectations for young fullbacks Carl Jenkinson and Héctor Bellerín.
Still a bit of work to do this summer. We absolutely need a back-up goalkeeper and we need to decide on what we're doing with Thomas Vermaelen. If he's staying the need for a centre back is lessened although it would still be good to pick up a player like Ashley Williams. It doesn't feel like we're in for a defensive midfielder.
Arsenal supposedly in for Loic Remy as well--could be planning on deploying Sanchez on the left wing if and when.
Arsenal are expected to announce the signing of Debuchy this week now that NUFC have secured his replacement.
