Arsenal announce Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free as Unai Emery’s first signing as Gunners chief

ARSENAL have announced Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free transfer, becoming Unai Emery's first signing as Gunners chief.

The Switzerland right-back, 34, has been at Juventus for seven seasons but will now join the ex-Paris Saint-Germain chief's Emirates revolution.

Lichtsteiner becomes the first non-Arsene Wenger signing at Arsenal in 22 years and is thought to have put pen to paper on a one-year deal.

On the move, Emery revealed: “Stephan brings huge experience and leadership to our squad.

"He’s a player with great quality with a very positive and determined attitude. Stephan will improve us on and off the pitch.”

Meanwhile, Lichtsteiner tweeted: "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"

The veteran defender was named in Vladimir Petkovic's Switzerland World Cup squad and is expected to captain his country in Russia.

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Last term, he made 32 appearances in all competitions for Juventus as they won a seventh consecutive Serie A title and fourth consecutive Coppa Italia.

Juve reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, beating Tottenham in the last-16, before being knocked out by a last-minute penalty against Real Madrid.

Lichtsteiner's contract at Juventus expires this summer and should now link up with his new Gunners team-mates after the World Cup.

Hector Bellerin is Arsenal's first-choice right-back but Lichtsteiner will provide defensive experience to a widely-criticised defensive line.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are also thought to be on the brink of signing Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund.