LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger made a last-ditch swoop for Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta just hours after signing Fenerbahce defender Andre Santos, Werder Bremen centre-back Per Mertesacker and Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun on a frantic transfer deadline day at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta was the headline deal by Wenger as the Frenchman launched a desperate bid to revitalise a squad rocked by the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri and traumatised by Sunday’s 8-2 defeat at Manchester United.
The acquisition of 29-year-old Spaniard Arteta, who signed a four-year contract and is believed to have cost 10 million pounds ($16.2 million), gives Wenger a decent replacement for Fabregas in the midfield playmaker role.
Arteta’s move appeared to have fallen through after Everton rejected Arsenal’s player plus cash offer, but he was able to resurrect the deal by making it clear to Toffees boss David Moyes that he wanted to go.
Israel international Benayoun joined on loan for the rest of the season after the former Liverpool star was told he could leave Chelsea and he will be expected to fill the creative void left by Nasri.
Brazilian full-back Santos and Germany international Mertesacker arrived as Wenger bolstered his defence following the Old Trafford meltdown.
Both players have signed long-term contracts, with Santos believed to have cost 6.2 million pounds ($10 million) and Mertesacker joining for a reported fee of 8 million pounds ($12.9 million). (Agencies)