Barcelona have won the race to sign Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez, according to reports out of Spain, after the Champion League Winner outbid Manchester United and City.
The Barcelona deal would make Alexis Sanchez Chile's most expensive footballer in history
Sanchez is expected to fly to the Nou Camp this week to complete the deal, understood to be worth £32 million, before returning to South America for the start of the Copa America.
The 22-year-old joined Udinese for £1.7 million in 2006 before being loaned out to Argentinean club River Plate the following year. However, 2010-11 was a watershed season for Sanchez, as he netted 12 goals and pushed the Serie A club into next season's Champions League.
Delegates from both Manchester clubs met with Udinese representative Gino Pozzo last week, while Inter Milan and Juventus have also previously met with Pozzo. But Barcelona are believed to have trumped their competitors by offering £25 million up front along with a further £7 million as a performance-based incentive.
The news will come as a blow to the Premier League clubs, particularly City after Roberto Mancini said that Sanchez would be his primary summer transfer target. United, meanwhile, are expected to continue their hunt for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.
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