Arsenal have signed the Swiss veteran defender Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free transfer after his Juventus contract expired.
Arsenal have made their first signing of the summer with former Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner signing with the North London club on a free transfer. The 34-year old spent a significant chunk of his career at Juventus, after signing for the Turin based side back in 2011 from Lazio.
Arsenal have been eyeing defensive signings in the market and were eager to sign the experienced defender from the time it was revealed he would be released by Juventus. The talks advanced in the last few weeks, and after successful negotiations, Lichtsteiner chose to sign for Arsenal.
Lichtsteiner has played in 301-Serie A games, more than any other defender since he started playing there in 2008. Since signing for Juventus, he has been a regular for the Old Lady, representing them for 259-games in all competitions. Despite other, younger options in his place at right back, at 34-years of age, he still went on to manage 27-league games last season.
New Arsenal manager was particularly delighted at the signing of the Swiss international, who is also his first signing at the club. The Spaniard commented on the Swiss, saying, “Stephan brings huge experience and leadership to our squad. He’s a player of great quality with a very positive and determined attitude. Stephan will improve us on and off the pitch.”
Arsenal have been apparent in their pursuit of signings in the summer, as the board as well as Unai Emery prioritising defensive reinforcements as they feel they have the necessary quantity in the attack. Lichtsteiner brings vast experience to this Arsenal side, as well as is expected to give competition to Hector Bellerin in the coming season.
Lichtsteiner will help steady a leaky Arsenal defence in the new season, while his experience in the past will also help the club in their Europa League campaign. Arsenal will look for more signings in the next couple of months to further strengthen their squad for the coming battle.
The signing of Lichtsteiner is a good signing and fans all over are seemingly happy with the business done early on in the summer. The lack of defensive awareness last season cost Arsenal dearly, and fans will be hoping Lichtsteiner brings some steel and much-needed leadership into the backline for the coming season, while they will be keeping a keen eye on the Swiss team as their new signing leads them at the FIFA World Cup in Russia.