Arsenal announce first summer signing of Stephan Lichtsteiner!

Arsenal are up and running in the transfer window as the North London club announced the signing of Swiss International defender Stephan Lichtsteiner from Italian champions, Juventus. 

The 34-year-old Swiss leaves Juventus as a free agent after making over 250 appearances and winning seven Serie A titles in a row as well as reaching two Champions League finals.

He will become Arsenal's first signing as the the club need reinforcements in defence ahead of the new season.

Stephan brings huge experience and leadership to our squad, Emery said.

He's a player with great quality with a very positive and determined attitude. Stephan will improve us on and off the pitch.

Lichsteiner said his objective was to help Arsenal return to the Champions League and to competing at the highest level.

It is a great moment for me, after Juventus, to come to Arsenal, Lichtsteiner said.

It is a project to come back into the Champions League, it is hard not to see a club like Arsenal that is not playing in the Champions League if you see the players, the club, the stadium.

The big objective is to come back on the highest level.

Welcome to Arsenal, @LichtsteinerSte 👋#WillkommenStephan https://t.co/31jZP73Jgb

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) June 5, 2018

Lichtsteiner will link up with Arsenal after the World Cup this summer where he will represent Switzerland for whom he made 99 appearances, making him the fourth-most capped player in their history.

He will wear the No. 12 for Arsenal, who said the deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.

Also very close to sign for Arsenal is Greek International defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos who is set to join the gunners from German side Borussia Dortmund.