New Arsenal signing Granit Xhaka has revealed his delight at joining the north London club, hailing his £30m move from Borussia Monchengladbach as a "dream", as reported by Sky Sports.
The 23-year-old's signing marks Arsene Wenger's first foray into the transfer market this summer after the deal to bring him from the Bundesliga to the Premier League was completed last week.
GRAPHIC: Granit Xhaka https://t.co/1LBbokRZRe pic.twitter.com/HBykvZv3C9
The tenacious midfielder had an impressive season in the Bundesliga with Monchengladbach, but as he prepares for Euro 2016 with Switzerland this summer, the 23-year-old has admitted his delight in the deal being completed.
"I feel good, now I'm happy to be a Gunner," Arsenal's third highest record signing told reporters after Switzerland's friendly defeat to Belgium.
"It's been a big week for me but now it's official and I'm very happy. Arsenal is a big club. I've seen the pitch, it's unbelievable. It was a dream for me and I'm happy now."
There had been calls for a number of years for Wenger to sign an aggressive midfielder in the mold of former captain Patrick Viera and Xhaka's Swiss international team-mate and former Arsenal defender, Johan Djourou, believes Arsenal have got a player with "great ability."
"He's got the ability to play the Arsenal way; he's got this aggressiveness about him that will help him in the Premier League," said Djourou.
And while Djourou notes Xhaka's aggressive abilities, the former Arsenal man has highlighted the former Monchengladbach player's ability on the ball, even comparing him to the World Cup-winning midfielder Andrea Pirlo.
"He's a great ball player and a ball winner so I think in the midfield he could help a lot.
"He's got the ability to play very long balls and precise balls. He reminds me a bit of Pirlo, the way he plays."
Djourou has also revealed Xhaka came to him to ask about the his own experiences playing for Arsenal and London life in general.
"He asked me a lot of things about London and the club and I could only say great things about it because I had a good experience there," said Djourou.
"I think the people at the club are just amazing so I think he's going to have a great time."