West Ham signs Nordtveit on free transfer from Monchengladbach

London - West Ham United has signed Norwegian midfielder Havard Nordtveit from Borussia Monchengladbach on a free transfer, the Premier League club announced on Monday.

The 25-year-old, who previously spent three years at Arsenal without making a first-team appearance, has signed a five-year contract, and follows Valencia striker Toni Martinez in joining the east London club.

Nordtveit has been capped 28 times by Norway and can also play in central defence. He will officially become a West Ham player on July 1.

"It has always been a dream for me to play in the Premier League and now I have a big opportunity to do that for West Ham. I cannot wait to start," he told West Ham's official website.

"This team has something special, a spirit in the team that I can fit into. I will work hard and hopefully I can get some good moments at this club.

"I'm a player who can play many roles on the pitch, but I'm from Norway so maybe a little bit more running, tackles and try to spread a few balls around me.

"I'm looking forward to showing what I can do, but hopefully I have something to help West Ham achieve even more."