Ian Holloway: 'Alexis Sanchez signing a statement of intent'

Ian Holloway has expressed his belief that the signing of Alexis Sanchez has turned Arsenal into "genuine" contenders for the Premier League title.

The Gunners spent £30m to land the Chile international from Barcelona as their first signing of the summer, and Holloway feels that move has pushed them closer to their top-flight rivals.

He wrote in his column in The Mirror: "Arsenal are now genuine Premier League title contenders. The signing of Alexis Sanchez has transformed the Gunners from a team that will always be capable of finishing in the top four into one that can land the biggest prize.

"Arsenal built a sustained title challenge last season – until Olivier Giroud hit the wall. Winning the FA Cup in May was a significant step.

"But spending £30million on a stellar name like Sanchez is a real statement of intent. I can't wait to see him make the most of the creativity already in place at the Emirates."

The Gunners have also been linked with moves for Loic Remy and Mathieu Debuchy.