While Van Persie departed a year before his contract expired after, like 29-year-old Sanchez, rejecting a new deal, the Chilean has followed the same road for a knockdown price six months before he could walk out of the club for nothing. The club trumped Manchester City to the signing of the player, which in itself was a statement of intent that the Premier League race is not a forgone conclusion like many thought it would be.
On Instagram, Sanchez did not reference anyone directly as he defended his record at Arsenal, writing: "There are people (former club players) who have spoken with no knowledge of what happens inside the club and cause damage".
Sanchez missed Arsenal's 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday to have a medical in Manchester on Sunday.
- He spurned the likes of Bayern Munich, Paris Saint Germain and Juventus in the summer, telling Arsenal that he only wanted to play for Manchester City.
The protracted swap deal between Arsenal and United for Mkhitarayan and Alexis Sanchez was finally completed on Monday, and speaking to Arsenal's official website, the Armenian spoke of his joy at the opportunity to play for the side he supported as a child.
"If he (Sanchez) is on the wages that is being bandied about then other players will know that when their contracts come up or they are in demand from other clubs".
But McClaren believes United have struck a major blow by landing Sanchez, who has scored 80 goals in 166 appearances at Arsenal.
"United are very direct and that's why Alexis's power, technique and speed will be a huge boost for Mourinho's team".
The Chilean will earn a reported £500,000 a week at Manchester United, having turned down an approach from Manchester City.
Their initial offer has been rejected but Arsenal are expected to offer more now he appears to be happy to join the North London team.
The Armenia global scored 23 goals and set up 32 more in his last season at Dortmund but failed to reproduce anything close to those numbers at United.
"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", he said.
Alexis Sanchez is close to completing his move from Manchester United to Arsenal, Press Association Sport understands. "Now that I'm here, I'll do my best for this club to create history".
"Since he's come in 16-17 months back, he's brought in some really good players", said the former left-back, who was one of Alex Ferguson's key players.
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