Alexis Sanchez brings the 'pace and power' Arsenal have been lacking, says Theo Walcott

The England international can't wait to link up with the £35m signing

Simon Rice
Wednesday 16 July 2014 12:00 BST
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Alexis Sanchez says he has come to Arsenal to 'win titles'
Alexis Sanchez says he has come to Arsenal to 'win titles' (Getty Images)

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Alexis Sanchez brings the 'pace and power' Arsenal have been lacking, says Theo Walcott

The Gunners moved swiftly after Chile's exit from the World Cup to secure a £35m deal for one of the stars in Brazil. Barcelona sanctioned the move as they closed in on a deal to bring in Luis Suarez from Liverpool.

Sanchez is expected to line-up either on the left or in a central role with Walcott on the right - a combination that will bring a new element to Arsenal's forward line and put fear into opposition defences according to the England international.

“Sanchez is a world-class player and I enjoyed watching him play for Barcelona and for Chile at the World Cup,” he told Arsenal Player.

“He’s still very young as well and he is going to show so much pace and power, which we lacked a bit last year. With me and him on the flanks, a lot of teams won’t be looking forward to playing Arsenal this year!"

Walcott echoed Carl Jenkinson's thoughts that there is a "buzz" around the Emirates heading into the new campaign. He also hinted that there could yet be more big arrivals this summer with the club continuing to be linked with a move for World Cup winner Sami Khedira.

"He (Sanchez) is a marquee signing and something that the club has pushed on to: first you had Mesut Ozil and now it is Alexis Sanchez. Who knows where it is going to stop?"

Walcott missed the World Cup and a large chunk of last season after he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round victory against Tottenham. No specific date has been put on his return but the 25-year-old has said progress is being made.

Theo Walcott makes a 2-0 gesture as Arsenal parade around the Emirates after their final home game of the season
Theo Walcott makes a 2-0 gesture as Arsenal parade around the Emirates after their final home game of the season (GETTY IMAGES)

“The knee is going really well, I am doing some good stuff with the physios and fitness coaches and we have worked really hard throughout the summer.”

Arsenal start their Premier League season at home to Crystal Palace after playing Manchester City in the FA Community Shield at Wembley on 10 August.

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