Alexis Sanchez to Arsenal: A £35m gamble? How Chile players have fared in the Premier League

Chilean success in the Premier League has been few and far between

Alexis Sanchez and his new Arsenal shirt (Getty Images)

Alexis Sanchez completed his £35m move from Barcelona to Arsenal last week, sparking ecstatic scenes in north London. But just how well will Sanchez adapt in the Premier League? Here, we look at how every Chilean has fared in England's top flight.

Angelo Henriquez (Wigan, four Premier League appearances)

The Manchester United striker played in four winless league games on loan at Wigan during the 2012/13 season. He spent last season on loan at Real Zaragoza and had marginally more success, scoring five goals in 15 La Liga matches.

David Pizarro (Manchester City, five appearances)

Joined Manchester City on loan until the end of the season from Roma in January 2012. While City would win the league that season, Pizarro did not win a medal, as he had not played enough league games. He later said he didn't really want to move to the Premier League in the first place but had fallen out with Roma manager Luis Enrique.

David Pizarro in action for Manchester City (GETTY IMAGES)

Luis Jimenez (West Ham, 11 appearances)

Made only 11 appearances in an uneventful loan spell from Internazionale at Upton Park during the 2009/10 season. Returned to Italian football to play for Parma on another loan spell the following season.

Carlos Villanueva (Blackburn, 13 appearances)

Moved to Blackburn Rovers on loan from Chilean side Audax Italiano for the 2009/09 season. Blackburn had the option to turn his move permanent if he impressed. He did not.

Javier Margas (West Ham, 24 appearances)

Infamously disappeared back to Chile because of family problems during his uneventful three years at West Ham. The club's then manager Harry Redknapp later recalled after going to find him at the hotel at which he was living: "Poor Javier had opened the window, grabbed his passport, jumped out and legged it. He went straight to the airport, flew home to Chile and never played for West Ham again."

Javier Margas during his time at West Ham (GETTY IMAGES)

Mark Gonzalez (Liverpool, 25 appearances)

Much was expected from the winger after he moved from Albacete, but because of injuries and lack of form he never really got going at Anfield. Was sold by Rafa Benitez to Real Betis after just one full season.

Gonzalo Jara (West Brom, 34 appearances)

Released by West Brom last year after being mostly loaned out before signing for Nottingham Forest last year. Despite featuring at the recent World Cup, is currently a free agent.

Gary Medel (Cardiff City, 34 appearances)

Relegated with Cardiff City last season after £11m club-record move from Seville. Despite the club's relegation, was one of the few Cardiff players to emerge with any credit from a woeful campaign.

Clarence Acuna of Newcastle United (GETTY IMAGES)

Clarence Acuna (Newcastle United, 46 appearances)

Left the club by mutual consent because of family problems back home after a disappointing three-year spell on Tyneside.

Jean Beausejour (Birmingham/Wigan, 67 appearances)

Has had the unfortunate privilege of being relegated twice from the Premier League. With Birmingham in 2012, and with Wigan in 2013.