26 August 2023 , 13:59
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Alexis Sanchez has sealed an emotional return to Inter Milan after brutally being denied an Arsenal reunion.
The Chilean forward has returned to the San Siro just a year after leaving for French side Marseille. He has put pen to paper on a one-year contract in Italy after a standout season in Ligue 1.
Meanwhile, former Inter teammate Joaquin Correa has moved the other way to the Stade Velodrome on loan. Speaking after the switch was confirmed on Saturday, Sanchez said: "Everyone knows that Inter are a great team. I always say, in my career I want to win and be in a strong team and Inter is one of them, I've been there before and I'd like to win again here.”
Whilst Sanchez has managed to rubber-stamp a return to one of his former clubs, it could have been very different had he got his way. According to a prior report from Chilean outlet La Tercera, he was keen to become an Arsenal player once more.
It is reported that Sanchez called current Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta in an effort to convince him to facilitate a move back to the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners’ boss decided not to pursue a move however and told Sanchez that he would not figure in his transfer plans for the coming season.
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That is despite the Spaniard being a big fan of the former Barcelona star after he had initially arrived at Arsenal. Speaking back in 2014, he said: "[Alexis] looks very good. He has got pace, that special technique, his feet are so, so quick.
Alexis Sanchez and Mikel Arteta were previously teammates at Arsenal (Getty Images)Who else do Arsenal need to sign this summer? Share your suggestions in the comments below
"He is a bit cheeky on the pitch, and got those runs, that movement, is always on the shoulder of a defender and he wants to score goals. Alexis has the right attitude here - very humble. He is going to do well - I think the fans are very excited and I think they are right because we have signed some player here."
Sanchez certainly proved Arteta right during his spell with the Gunners. He ended up making 166 appearances for Arsenal, and scored 80 goals before a controversial move to Manchester United.
It never quite worked out for the forward at Old Trafford as he netted on just five occasions in two seasons before leaving for Inter initially on loan - that deal eventually being made permanent. Whilst Arteta did not pursue a move for Sanchez, he still welcomed a new forward to North London.
Arsenal sealed the signing of German playmaker Kai Havertz from Chelsea for a £65m fee. He has yet to get off the mark for his new employers.