Former Juve defender Stephan Lichtsteiner joins Arsenal
Arsenal announced its first significant signing under new head coach Unai Emery on Tuesday, with Stephan Lichtsteiner agreeing to join the club on a free transfer from Juventus.
Happy and honoured to be a Gunner! Will work hard and passionately day in and day out to achieve our sportive objectives and to win trophies with this great club! @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/h32IueSSob
— Stephan Lichtsteiner (@LichtsteinerSte) June 5, 2018
The 34-year-old ended an illustrious Juventus career after the 2017-18 campaign with his seventh top-flight winners medal in as many seasons.
The right-back made over 250 appearances for the Italian champion following his move from Lazio in 2011, and will enter the World Cup in Russia this month as one of Switzerland's most-capped players.
“Stephan brings huge experience and leadership to our squad," Emery said. "He’s a player with great quality with a very positive and determined attitude. Stephan will improve us on and off the pitch."
301 - Stephan Lichtsteiner has played more Serie A games than any other defender since his debut in the competition in August 2008. Experienced. pic.twitter.com/Capia8mMyJ
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 5, 2018
Lichtsteiner's arrival signals Arsenal's intent to add experienced defenders this summer, as the club is also reportedly closing in on a £16-million move to sign centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund.