Robert Pires: 'Alexis Sanchez will fire Arsenal to glory'

Former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires has claimed that new signing Alexis Sanchez will inspire the club to win silverware this season.

The Chile international is believed to have turned down a move to Liverpool before opting to join the Gunners from Barcelona a fortnight ago.

Pires is confident that the 25-year-old will be a key player at the Emirates Stadium.

"His preference for Arsenal is a big gesture for the Arsenal family," the Daily Star quotes Pires as saying.

"I'm very happy because the Arsenal board have signed a world-class star. I am sure Alexis will help to win titles. He played pretty well in the World Cup.

"I like his offensive skills and I believe he will fit very well to the system that Arsene Wenger has in mind. I am sure Arsenal will win a title this season and hopefully it will be the Champions League."

Sanchez scored 19 goals in 44 appearances for Barcelona last season.