Arsenal Announce First Official Summer Signing
Let the Unai Emery revolution begin.
Arsenal's official YouTube channel released a video this afternoon announcing the signing of ex-Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner.
The Swiss international joins on a free transfer after his contract with the Serie A champions elapsed. Anyone who has watched Lichtsteiner play at right-back since joining Juve from league rivals Lazio in 2011 will know that this is a terrific piece of business for new Gunners boss Unai Emery.
Lichtsteiner is captain of Switzerland's 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup, but he stopped off in North London to snap some photos in an Arsenal kit and speak to the side's media team ahead of his move. There's still some paperwork to be completed, and Sky Sports said the switch was "subject to the completion of regulatory processes" this afternoon.
Though the player isn't a goal-scoring defender by any means, he is capable (even at 34) of bombing up and down the right flank. His crosses were also an important part of Juve's attacking strategy over the past seven years, and it's hoped he'll bring that same sort of threat to the Emirates.
Emery can be pleased to get such a quality, title-winning player for free.