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FERNANDEZ RETURNS FOR ARTETA

FORMER Athletic Bilbao coach Luis Fernandez has turned to Spain as he continues to rebuild French giants Paris St. Germain, as he beat the transfer deadline to sign Barcelona youngster Mikel Arteta and Espanyol midfielder Enrique De Lucas on loan for the remainder of the season.

The Spanish coach has already taken Mauricio Pochettino to the French capital, and Arteta along with De Lucas pushed Fernandez's signings up to seven over the winter.

Arteta, who is an 18 year-old midfielder, was playing for the Barcelona "B" side, after making the switch from the youth set up last season.

The switch, initially on loan, will be a great opportunity for the Spanish International Under-18 midfielder, who is already highly respected within Spain.

Fernandez (pictured) was already a keen admirer of the youngster, whom he worked with at Bilbao before the Catalan giants moved in.

The youngster began his career in Bilbao, before making the switch to Barca in 1997. He went on to impress, earning himself a contract until 2004 with the club, and a massive 4,500 million peseta (£17.29 million) release clause.

He has already been likened to one of his heroes, current Barcelona star Josep Guardiola.

The Barcelona coaches are keen for him to be given the chance to prove himself at the top level, and PSG have given him the opportunity.

De Lucas agreed a late deal to join the French club until the end of the season.  The player was promoted to the first team in 1997, after impressing coaches during his time with the reserves.

However, the player has been out of favour with Espanyol coach Paco Flores this season, and was keen to return to playing football. 

De Lucas said: "This loan is good for everyone, especially for me. Now, the chance to play depends on me. I will battle to become part of the starting eleven. My intention is to return."

He will join fellow new boys Mickael Madar, Didier Domi, Ronaldinho and Vampeta as well as Pochettino.  

To make room in their squad, PSG have loaned out some of their own promising youngsters, Gael Hiroux and Fabrice Abriel have been loaned to Martigues and Servette in Switzerland respectively.

Hiroux is the reserve team leading scorer in the French first division.