Czech Republic international Tomas Rosicky has joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund, the London club said yesterday.
Though neither the fee nor the length of contract were given, the Champions League finalists were reportedly set to pay £7 million (US$13.1 million) to capture the 25-year-old Rosicky ahead of next month's World Cup finals.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told www.Arsenal.com: "We are delighted to welcome Tomas to our squad. He has great technique, skill on the ball and sharp passing. Tomas has good experience at all levels for club and country, and we look forward to welcoming him to Arsenal after what will hopefully be a successful summer for him at the World Cup."
Rosicky said: "I'm really happy to be here at Arsenal, it is a great day for me. The team showed its strength recently in the Champions League and it has big potential with a lot of young players."
Dortmund have acute financial problems after gambling on playing in the Champions League and the sale of Rosicky would be a welcome cash injection for the club.
Rosicky joined Dortmund from Sparta Prague for a then club record of 12.7 million euros (US$16.2 million) in January 2001 and helped the club to the domestic title in 2002.
But Dortmund financial problems soon came to light and for the past two seasons Rosicky, contracted until June 2008, has been angling for a move from Germany.
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