Arsenal sign Alexander Hleb

Arsenal announced their first new signing of the silly season today, as Belarussian mid-fielder Alexander Hleb joined the Gunners from Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart.

Here are the details from Arsenal.com:

Belarus international midfielder, Alexander Hleb, has today agreed to join Arsenal from Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart on a long term contract, in a deal which could rise to approximately 15 million Euros. This agreement is subject to a medical and the player obtaining a work permit.

Hleb (24), who made 137 appearances in his five years with Stuttgart and has 18 International caps for Belarus, is a versatile midfielder with experience of Champions League football, playing in all eight of Stuttgart’s matches in the 2003/04 competition.

Manager Arsene Wenger said: “We are delighted that Alexander Hleb has agreed to join us. He is a player I have admired for some time now and I know he will provide our squad with great quality. Hleb has proved his ability with his performances in the Bundesliga in recent seasons and he definitely has the potential to do very well with Arsenal.”

Alexander Hleb said: “I am very happy to have this fantastic opportunity to join Arsenal. They are a Club with a great history and many world class players.”

Alexander Hleb will join up with the Arsenal first team squad when they return for pre-season training in early July.