Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is delighted Alexis Sanchez chose Arsenal over Liverpool last summer, but he remains unsure exactly why the Chilean rejected the Anfield club.

The Gunners won the race to land the highly-rated star from Barcelona in a deal thought to be worth around £32m.

Sanchez had a number of potential suitors to choose from, including Brendan Rodgers's Liverpool, but he instead opted to pack his bags for North London to the relief of his current manager.

"At the end of the day, only Sanchez can explain to you why he has chosen us," the Daily Mail quotes Wenger as saying. "I don't know why he did that, but we are happy that he made that decision.

"I was [aware of Liverpool's interest], but you never know if it is really true, but I thought it could be because of the interest in [Luis] Suarez [from Barcelona]. In the negotiations, yes, it is a strength - and it makes sense, an exchange and some money for Liverpool."

Sanchez, who has netted 19 goals in a Gunners shirt this season, is expected to start against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.