However, it was Arsenal's 15-year-old academy products, midfielder Max Downman and centre-back Marli Salmon, who also impressed with their cameos and were the main subject of Arteta's post-match press conference, with the mood surrounding the club fairly postive.

Financial details on the transfer were not disclosed but British media reported Arsenal agreed to pay 55 million pounds fixed upfront fee plus around 8 million pounds in add-ons for the 27-year-old.