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The Swiss international is new manager Unai Emery's first signing at the club. SIPA USA/PA Images

Lichtsteiner announced as Unai Emery's first Arsenal signing

The veteran Swiss international signs from Juventus as a free agent after a successful period in Italy

ARSENAL HAVE SIGNED Juventus right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free transfer in a signing that new manager Unai Emery believes will bring ‘leadership’ into the squad.

The club announced the signing of the experienced Swiss international in a statement on Tuesday afternoon. Emery took over at the Emirates on 23 May and Lichtsteiner is his first Arsenal signing.

In an Arsenal FC statement, Emery said: “Stephan brings huge experience and leadership to our squad. He’s a player with great quality with a very positive and determined attitude. Stephan will improve us on and off the pitch.”

The deal will see Lichtsteiner wear the number 12 jersey and will join international team-mate Granit Xhaka at the club after the World Cup this summer. The veteran will provide competition for first-choice right-back Hector Bellerin next season.

The 34-year-old signed for Juventus in July 2011 and has won the Serie A title in each of his seven seasons at the club. He made over 250 appearances during that time and is also the fourth-most capped Swiss player in history with 98 caps.

The club announced the move in a unique way on Twitter, asking fans to name the nine Arsenal players competing in the World Cup this summer before revealing Lichtsteiner’s signing, which makes him the ninth.

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Gavin Quinn
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