Botelho agrees Levante switch

On-loan Arsenal defender Pedro Botelho has left Rayo Vallecano and agreed to join their La Liga rivals Levante until the end of the season.

On-loan Arsenal defender joins Levante after ending Rayo stay

On-loan Arsenal defender Pedro Botelho has left Rayo Vallecano and agreed to join their La Liga rivals Levante until the end of the season. Botelho made 11 appearances for Rayo, scoring one goal, but has opted for a fresh start having recently landed himself in trouble off the pitch in Madrid when he failed a breath test after driving into a police car and speeding off. The 22-year-old Brazilian is delighted to have secured the move to a club who were also chasing him in the summer before he opted for Rayo. "This summer we spoke but in the end I chose Rayo," Botelho explained. "But I am very happy for the confidence Levante have shown in me. I will give everything." Of his problems at Rayo, he added: "I have said that I made a mistake and I asked for forgiveness from Rayo and my family. "Everyone makes mistakes, now I don't want to talk about it anymore."

Serrano swoop

Levante have also sealed the signing of former winger Oscar Serrano who departed Racing Santander earlier in the week. The left-sided midfielder, 31, has joined on an initial deal until the end of the season with an option for a further season. Meanwhile, for their part, Rayo have recruited Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa on loan for the remainder of the campaign. The Brazilian has hardly featured for Los Rojiblancos this term and will now look to score the goals to help keep Rayo in the top flight.