Arsenal confirm deal for Kim Kallstrom

Kim Kallstrom

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of midfielder Kim Kallstrom on a six month loan deal, with an offer to make the move permanent in the summer.

The 31 year-old midfielder, who becomes the eighth Swede to currently ply his trade in the Premier League, arrives from Russian side Spartak Moscow and will not be available for the home fixture against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Swedish international, who has over a century of caps for his country, brings a wealth of experience with him having been a lynch pin in Lyon’s midfield for six years before he joined Moscow in 2012.

Kallstrom said, “I’m here to do my best for Arsenal and to help out the team, so we can achieve good results for the last part of the season.”

Arsene Wenger was forced into the market following Aaron Ramsey’s injury set back, which has served to expose the Gunners midfield options.

Arsène Wenger said, “Kim Kallstrom is a hugely-experienced player. He is a midfielder with proven quality at both club and international level. We welcome Kim to Arsenal.”

While Kallstrom may not represent the marquee signing many North Londoners had hoped for, Kallstrom will be able to perform an effective yet unglamorous role at The Emirates.

Wenger’s willingness to enter the market and strengthen the immediate weaknesses in his squad will provide a major boost for Arsenal ahead of a gruelling run of fixtures as they attempt to end the club’s wait for a piece of silverware.