Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs has labelled teammate Alexis Sanchez as an "animal" and believes that the Chilean can help the Gunners build on their FA Cup triumph of last season.

The North Londoners wrapped up a £35m deal to sign the 25-year-old last month and make him the club's second most expensive signing of all time behind Mesut Ozil.

Arsenal ended a nine-year trophy drought by winning the FA Cup back in May, and Gibbs claims that Sanchez can provide the club with that "something extra" necessary to seal further honours this season.

"When you face Alexis in training, you know it's not going to be the best day you have as a defender," he told The Mirror. "He's a top player and he will definitely bring something extra to us.

"We've got an exciting team anyway and a lot of players who can make a difference in the game. And when you see the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis ­coming in, it makes you feel good.

"Mesut didn't have an ­arrogance about him. He came in like he still had something to prove – like he wasn't world class already. And Alexis has the same ­mentality. He has been like an animal in training. He's everywhere. He just doesn't stop running."

Arsene Wenger's side face Manchester City in the Community Shield this afternoon.