Arsenal sign Russian wizard

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Russian playmaker, Andrey Arshavin for a reported fee of £15 million from Zenit St. Petersburg

The 27 year-old passed a medical and agreed personal terms on Monday after Arsenal and Zenit agreed a fee, however the move was still in question overnight as the paperwork needed to complete the deal had to be rubber-stamped by the FA. This was duly finalised this morning and the Russian is free to join his new team-mates at London Colney for training.

Arshavin rose to stardom at Euro 2008 producing scintilating displays against Sweden and Holland. He also helped Zenit to win the 2008 UEFA Cup alnd has been on Arsene Wenger's radar for a long time.

Wenger said, on Arsenal's website "“We are delighted to have signed Andrey Arshavin, he is a player I have admired for a long time. He is a versatile player with great experience, who will add real quality to our squad. Andrey is an exciting impact player with a huge amount of ability and has been an influential force with both Zenit St Petersburg and the Russian national team in recent seasons.”

The Russian said of his move to the Emirates, "I am so happy to be joining Arsenal. They are one of the leading football clubs in the world, with a group of fantastic young players and a great manager. I am looking forward to making the Arsenal supporters happy and helping this great Club win trophies."

The signing could be seen as a major coup for the Gunners with Arshavin attracting attention from other heavyweights such as Barcelona last summer. It is also the first deal finalised by Ivan Gazidis, Arsenal's new Chief Exectutive.

Arshavin will wear the no.23 shirt as his favoured no.10 is currently worn by William Gallas.