Arsenal sign Van Bronckhorst

Van Bronckhorst will play alongside Vieira

Midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst has joined Arsenal in a five-year deal.

The Dutch international is moving from Rangers in a deal said to be worth £8.5m.

It is the latest big-money signing for the Gunners after they splashed out £8m on striker Francis Jeffers last week.

Van Bronckhorst said he wanted to prove himself in the Premiership.

  Van the man fact file

1975: Born 5 February

1982: Signed for Feyenoord at the age of seven

1994: Made first-team debut for Feyenoord

1996: Made international debut in 2-2 draw with Brazil

1998: Completes £5.5million transfer to Rangers in June

1999: Helped Rangers win domestic treble in first season in Scotland

2001: Joins Arsenal for £8.5m

He said: "It's a great club with great players.

"Last year not so good for us but in new season hopefully we will do fine."

When asked what had impressed him about the Gunners and their manager, he added: "The ambition, the way we train, the way the team plays - just Wenger's vision.

"For me it was quite a good thing to talk with him and see how he works.

"I am an Arsenal player now. There were other clubs interested, in England and abroad but in the end I chose Arsenal.

"I have spoken to Mr Wenger. He sees me in a central midfield role, on the left side so hopefully I can play alongside Patrick [Vieira] and it'll be fine.

"Arsenal are close (to winning the Premiership) every season and we must try to become champions.

"The Scottish League is tough to play in as well as the English league.... but it is tougher in the English league."

The Dutchman joined Rangers in 1998 after making over 100 appearances for Feyenoord.

He went on to help the Glasgow giants win the Treble in 1999 and league and cup double in 2000.