( CNN ) -- Better late than never . Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger did n't sign a forward or striker in this year 's January transfer window when his team was very much still in the Premier League title race , instead relying on unproven 21-year-old Yaya Sanogo to back up French international Olivier Giroud . The move backfired , with Arsenal -- as in years past -- slipping away in February and March . Wenger and Arsenal , though , ventured into the market Thursday and landed Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona . The 25-year-old agreed to join the Gunners from Barcelona on a `` long-term contract '' for an `` undisclosed fee , '' Arsenal said on its website . That fee is about $ 51 million , according to reports . Sanchez impressed for Chile at the World Cup in Brazil with his finishing -- scoring twice -- and work rate . He netted 47 goals in 141 games for Barcelona , the Catalan club said , and he won a league title and the Spanish Cup in his three years in Spain . `` I 'm so happy to be joining Arsenal , a club which has a great manager , a fantastic squad of players , huge support around the world and a great stadium in London , '' Sanchez told Arsenal 's website . `` I 'm looking forward to meeting my new teammates and to be playing for Arsenal in the Premier League and Champions League . `` I will give my best to Arsenal and want to make all the supporters happy . '' Wenger called Sanchez a `` fantastic '' footballer . `` Alexis will add power , creativity and much quality to our squad and we are all looking forward to him joining up with us in a few weeks , '' Wenger told Arsenal 's website . `` He has consistently produced top-quality performances at the highest level for a number of seasons now and we are all excited to see him integrate into the Arsenal squad . `` I 'm sure all Arsenal supporters will join me in welcoming Alexis to our club . '' As excited as the Arsenal fans are bound to be , many will be hoping for more signings . Arsenal has n't won the Premier League title since going unbeaten in 2003/2004 and only narrowly ended its nine-year trophy drought by beating Hull in extra time in May 's FA Cup final . Sanchez 's departure from Barcelona could yet be another sign that Luis Suarez is close to joining Barcelona from Liverpool . `` FC Barcelona thanks Alexis Sanchez for his professionalism and dedication for the three seasons that he has been in the first team squad , and wishes him all the best for the future , '' Barcelona said on its website .
Spanish forward Alexis Sánchez agreed to join Arsenal from Barcelona . The transfer fee was n't disclosed but it 's reportedly around $ 50 milllion . Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger calls Sanchez a ` ` fantastic '' footballer . The club have n't won the Premier League title since the previous season .