Barcelona have reportedly reached an agreement over the signing of Udinese forward Alexis Sanchez.
Gino Pozzo, the son of Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo, told Spanish radio station RAC1 that an "agreement with Barcelona for Alexis Sanchez is complete".
It was thought that the Chilean would join pre-season training with the Italian outfit following the completion of his international duties at the Copa America 2011. However, it now appears Sanchez will head straight out to join Barcelona’s pre-season training camp instead once his deal is officially announced.
The news comes as major boost for Barca coach Pep Guardiola who admitted on Tuesday that he will prioritize signing Sanchez over bringing Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas back to the Nou Camp.
Guardiola said that the Catalans do have the funds available to complete both transfers, but his priority was signing a new striker.
"The priority is a striker, as we have more players in midfield than up front," Guardiola said.
"There are midfielders in the B team that can help us out. Everything costs money, but it's a striker we need.
"As (sporting director) Andoni (Zubizarreta) has told me, there is enough money to sign them (Sanchez and Fabregas) both, and we'll be trying to do that."
Sanchez netted 12 times in 27 appearances for Udinese in Serie A last season.