Alexis Sanchez heads for Old Trafford exit

Inter Milan have confirmed the signing of Chile international Alexis Sanchez on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United. The 30-year-old forward will remain with the Nerazzurri until the 30 June 2020 and he is the second United player to join Inter this summer, following on from Romelu Lukaku, who completed a permanent £74million switch to the San Siro earlier this month.

Sanchez’s move to the Giuseppe Meazza brings to an end, at least on a temporary basis, what has been a disastrous 19-month stay at Old Trafford. The former Barcelona star was signed with a wealth of expectation on his shoulders after joining from Arsenal in January 2018, but he failed to live up to his billing, scoring just five goals in 45 appearances for the club.

The Chilean’s high wages, believed to be in the region of £400,000 a week, also contributed to the pressure on him to perform and it is believed United will continue to pay a percentage of his salary during his time with Inter.

Sanchez’ arrival in Milan is another signal of intent that Antonio Conte’s side are aiming to mount a serious challenge to Juventus’ grip on the Serie A title this season and the Italian giants were quick to welcome their latest recruit to the club. “On behalf of the entire Nerazzurri family, we’d like to wish him a very warm welcome and the best of luck,” Inter confirmed.

Inter have not won the Scudetto since Jose Mourinho’s treble winners of 2010, but they have made an impressive start to the new campaign, outclassing Lecce 4-0 in their opening fixture, and they are priced at 5.50 to end their title drought this term.