Arsenal have splashed out £15 million for Malaga midfielder Santi Cazorla in a further boost to the Gunners ahead of the new season.
The London club, who have already signed Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud this off-season, completed the deal for the Spain international who could make his debut in Sunday’s pre-season friendly against Koln after linking up with the club in Germany on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old former Villarreal winger said he hoped to win titles at the Emirates Stadium for a club who are trophyless in the past seven years.
“There’s a very good squad here and we want to fight for titles and win titles,’’ Cazorla said on the Arsenal website.
“The club has made a big step to sign players to have a better team and meet the expectations of the fans. I’m very happy to be here, Arsenal are a huge club. I hope to win trophies here, that is what I want.’’
Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie previously said he wanted to leave the club due to their lack of ambition and investment in their squad, however the latest addition flies in the face of that claim.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said he was delighted with the capture of the Spanish winger.
“Santi Cazorla is a great signing for us. He is a player with good experience at both club and international level, who will add significant quality to our squad,” Wenger said.
“He is a versatile, attacking midfield player who can play comfortably on either side of the pitch or centrally. He has good pace, is technically gifted and will be a huge asset to Arsenal Football Club. We are delighted that he is joining us.”