Arsenal have confirmed that they have signed Kim Kallstrom on loan from Spartak Moscow for the remainder of the season.
The Sweden midfielder emerged as a surprise target for Arsene Wenger early on deadline-day, and the deal was finalised well in advance of the 11pm cut-off.
The 31-year-old has more than 100 international caps and was part of the Lyon squad which reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2010.
Wenger told the Arsenal website: "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."
Kallstrom added: "Arsenal is an amazing club with a lot of great players and a coach who has done really well here for a long time.
"I am so pleased to come here to learn as much as possible. 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."
Although Kallstrom has appeared for Spartak in this season's Europa League play-offs, he will be eligible to feature for Arsenal in the Champions League.
Wenger entered the market after seeing his midfield options dwindle significantly in recent days.
Aaron Ramsey is out for up to six more weeks, while Jack Wilshere's finess is an ongoing concern and Mathieu Flamini is banned for three games.
The experienced Kallstrom will provide vital short-term cover in Wenger's midfield ahead of a daunting run of fixtures in February and March.
Arsenal face Liverpool (twice), Manchester United and Bayern Munich in succession in February, while the return leg with Bayern in March is followed by Premier League games against Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton.
Wenger on Friday ruled out a deadline-day move for Julian Draxler, linked with Arsenal throughout January, saying: "He will stay at Schalke".
Arsenal have also been linked a loan move for veteran Germany striker Miroslav Klose, but Lazio do not want to do a deal.
source:news and sport
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