Rangers complete Arteta deal

The Gers completed the deal for Arteta on Monday evening, after a team led by finance director Douglas Odam sealed the formalities of the transfer.

Arteta is currently with Paris Saint Germain on a season-long loan deal from Camp Nou, but the French side have been beaten to his signature by Rangers.

"Mikel is an excellent young player and I'm sure he is someone who will really excite the Rangers fans," beamed a delighted Alex McLeish.

"The club has been aware of him since the Uefa tie with PSG. He played excellently in both legs against Rangers and we have been monitoring him virtually since that time.

"Dick Advocaat and I went to his home town of San Sebastian some weeks ago to talk with his agents and I'm thrilled to have finally completed the deal.

"He comes from a great stable in Barcelona," McLeish told Rangers' official website. "Everyone can see the quality of La Liga and he is a prime example of the talent on show in Spain every week.

"I think the fans will see a class act when he pulls on a Rangers jersey next season. He is very comfortable on the ball and he has an excellent touch and the great thing is his best years are still ahead of him.

"The other great benefit is that Mikel is Under-21 and will fill one of the two slots in the squad we are required to have under SPL rules.

"We are very aware of the need to bring top quality players to Ibrox and I think Mikel comes into that category.

"We are, of course, working on a number of other deals and if everything goes to plan then I feel we will have a very good base to work from but you can never expect every potential signing to come off.

"I think the signing of Mikel is also indication that we are investing for the future when you consider we already have good young players at the club like Stephen Hughes."