Michael Laudrup has strengthened his Swansea City squad with the signing of young Arsenal defender Kyle Bartley.
The centre-back has penned a three-year deal at the Liberty Stadium after spending the last five years with the Gunners.
Bartley spent last season in the Scottish Premier League on loan at Rangers – his second spell at Ibrox - following two separate stints with Sheffield United.
An exciting young prospect, Bartley’s sole Arsenal appearance came in a Champions League defeat at Olympiakos in 2009.
Later that season he was part of the Sheffield United side that beat the Swans at Bramall Lane, and again the following campaign as the Blades won 1-0 on home soil.
After completing the necessary paperwork today (Friday), the Swans’ latest arrival is waiting for international clearance in order to be available for Saturday’s trip to QPR.
And he’s raring to go as the Premier League nears the big kick-off.
"I spoke to Arsene Wenger briefly last week and he said that my game-time would be at a minimum,” he said. “For that reason, I wanted to at least go out on loan but when Swansea came in for me it was too good an opportunity to turn down.
"I do like to play football and play the game from the back, which is exactly how Swansea want to play, and that was a massive factor for me.
"We were strong at home last season and hopefully we can continue that this year because it is important that your home form is good in the Premier League.
"We showed last year that we can compete, we've got another great manager in Michael Laudrup and we're hoping that we can achieve the same things.
"I'm grateful to everyone at both Arsenal and Swansea for getting the deal done so quickly and I'm raring to go.”
After beginning his youth career with Bolton, the Stockport-born defender joined Arsenal in 2007 and was part of the successful Premier Academy League and FA Youth Cup side in 2008/09.
Highly-rated, the youngster also went on to skipper the Reserves at the Emirates.
By moving to the Liberty, Bartley adds further competition in the heart of defence along with fellow new signing Chico Flores, Ashley Williams, Garry Monk and Alan Tate.
***As the Ospreys are at home on Saturday, there is no parking at the Liberty Stadium for Swans fans going to QPR.