Arsene Wenger has revealed that when he purchased Alexis Sanchez he was looking for a player with ‘fighting spirit.’

He certainly got that.

Arguably Arsenal’s player of the season despite a dip in form after Christmas, Sanchez has been a revelation since he arrived at the club in the summer and has won the hearts of Arsenal fans everywhere with his ‘bionic mosquito’ displays.

“When I bought Alexis I thought he can play on the right, he can play on the left, he can play through the middle,” Wenger said. “Secondly, I wanted someone who has a fighting spirit in the Premier League, to adapt, and to give something to the team on that front. That was needed – someone to say ‘come on, I’m ready for a fight’.

“Thirdly, a guy with a good combination of running in behind and can dribble as well. On all of that, I believe I was not disappointed. I was extremely happy.”

Wenger also believes that the arrival of Alexis has helped get the best out of Mesut Ozil, who has been heavily criticised since his arrival in London.

“People questioned Ozil,” Wenger added. “Many people speak now about Alexis but in the first part of the season Ozil wasn’t there. In the second part of the season Ozil has blossomed and is getting to where you want him to be.

“He is a player that is the centre of our game and also makes other people play. The real players are those who take the qualities of their partners – Ozil is one like that. He is naturally generous.”