"The other exciting aspect is that Sanchez has got the sort of pace and power to bring the best out of Ozil," says John Cross
Game changer: Alexis Sanchez represents more than just a new player for Arsenal
Alexis Sanchez is a complete game changer for Arsenal.
First, on the pitch they have bought themselves a world class striker with pace, power and goals.
Secondly, it's a message of intent to prove that Arsenal are determined to be contenders for the title, in Europe and all the big trophies.
Finally, it's also a message throughout Europe that Arsenal are back as a force.
Other world class players are more likely to follow now they've seen Sanchez and Mesut Ozil move to the Emirates.
Next up will be the signing of Mathieu Debuchy at right back but they are also after a top class holding midfielder. Lars Bender, the German international, is the most likely but Sami Khedira is a long-term target. They will both now see Arsenal mean business.
Imagine the spine of the team now - two World Cup centre halves, a world class midfielder, Ozil and Sanchez.
It also highlights how the club is moving forward. The painful years when Arsene Wenger had to be accountant and bank manager to help pay off the Emirates while also getting into the top four are nearing an end.
With big commercial deals - like Puma - and the stadium on the way to being paid off, the club is realising their targets of being self sufficient, profitable and successful.
It's exciting times for the club but, more importantly, the fans. They now have world class players again to marvel at again with the likes of Ozil and Sanchez to light up in the stadium in the way that Bergkamp, Henry, Vieira and Pires used to.
The good times are back and Sanchez arrives at a time with a feel-good factor around the place with an FA Cup in the trophy cabinet, new kit unveiled and the promise of a deeper, stronger squad to challenge.
It's also interesting as to how Sanchez fits in the squad. He can play from the flanks, through the middle and even play alongside or complement Olivier Giroud.
Some of his goals are sensational. In the World Cup last 16 game against Brazil, the Chile striker occupied the whole back four on his own.
He is busy, never rests, lively and will work hard for the team. Make no mistake, Barcelona have sacrificed one of their best players.
Wenger was interested in him when he left Udinese for Barcelona and now he's got his man. He's got him for £33m - which is great value - after impressing him with a vision of the club while meeting him and his representatives during the World Cup.
Other players, like Cesc Fabregas, had good things to say about Arsenal. When he arrived at London Colney on Thursday, he will have been impressed with the facilities as Arsenal are a leading club in Europe in terms of stadium, set-up - and now team.
Gone are the days when they had to shop for the likes of Gervinho as now they can shop for world class players.
The other exciting aspect is that Sanchez has got the sort of pace and power to stretch defences and make the runs to give Ozil a target to aim at.
Sanchez can bring the best out of Ozil. And if they can bring in a holding midfielder with real quality then they will have a balance and depth to help them challenge for the league.
Make no mistake, Arsenal can win the title. They CAN win it. That's different from will win it. There's no guarantees. But I genuinely believe they've put themselves in the mix now.
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