Alexis Sanchez seen in a Manchester United shirt as he poses for official photographs ahead of his unveiling

Alexis Sanchez has been pictured in a Manchester United shirt for the first time as he awaits the imminent confirmation of his move from Arsenal.

Sanchez, 29, completed his medical on Sunday and then posed for official photographs as United prepare to announce their new blockbuster signing.

The deal, which will see Sanchez become the best-paid player in the Premier League on almost £600,000 per week, is almost complete with Henrikh Mkhitaryan having had a medical at Arsenal in a swap between the clubs.Arsenal in a swap between the clubs.


Alexis Sanchez has posed for official photographs ahead of his Manchester United move


Sanchez was at Manchester United's Carrington training ground for his medical and photos

Sanchez flew into Manchester from Biggin Hill Airport in Kent by private jet on Sunday before completing his medical and having the unveiling photos taken - to be released when his move is announced.

But on Sunday night a photo was circulating on social media, showing Sanchez posing for a selfie in his new No 7 shirt.

Manager Jose Mourinho revealed on Saturday that the deal was 'close' and an announcement is expected in the next 24 hours.

'I expect soon, or never,' Mourinho said. 'I think it is so close. So close. I am positive. I know that my people are doing absolutely everything they can.

'The owners with the green light, I think everybody is doing everything they can. I think we are going to be successful.'


Sanchez's private plane is pictured arriving at Manchester Airport on Sunday afternoon


Sanchez posted a video of himself about to board the private jet to Manchester from Kent


The Chilean forward is set to become the Premier League's highest-paid player at United



Sanchez shared the video of the small plane, bound for Manchester, on his Instagram story

Sanchez said farewell to his Arsenal team-mates on Friday after training with them prior to their Premier League win over Crystal Palace.

He will join up with his new United colleagues on Tuesday when they begin preparations for Friday's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Yeovil Town, following two days off after the weekend win over Burnley.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said of Sanchez's move: 'January has been difficult for us, destabilising. It is the first time this has happened to us in January.

'We have had big players concerned with moving away which causes uncertainty in the dressing room. I was tempted to include Sanchez against Palace, yes, but I didn't take him because there is a question of him moving to United.


Henrikh Mkhitaryan is in London and will join Arsenal as part of a swap with Sanchez



Mkhitaryan was in high spirits despite being teary when he said goodbye to his United pals

'You can't drive north and play football. I expect it to happen but I can't announce it. Until it's over the line you can't say it will happen.'

Chile international Sanchez wanted to leave Arsenal for Manchester City last summer. It didn't happen then but with only six months left on his contract, Wenger decided a trade deal with Mkhitaryan was preferable to losing him for nothing in the summer.

Sportsmail revealed Mkhitaryan had said an emotional goodbye after his final United training session on Friday. 'It was very tearful,' said a source. 'Henrikh has been a very popular figure here at United.


Mkhitaryan was all smiles after making his way to the capital to undergo a medical


Agent Mino Raiola was also in London as he looks to finalise his client's move to Arsenal

'We know he isn't too happy with the way this deal has been forced upon him. He realises he has more chance of playing at Arsenal, but he would have preferred to leave on his own terms.'

United will pay a £20m transfer fee to Arsenal and £15m to the player's agent Fernando Felicevich.

posted from Bloggeroid