Loan deal for Johan as Djourou becomes a Blue

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The 20-year-old has initially linked up with Blues until January but with a view to extending the agreement until the end of the season if all parties are in agreement.

Off to St Andrews: Swiss defender Johan Djourou

Djourou will go straight into the squad for Sunday's Barclays Premier League opener at Chelsea.

The Ivory Coast-born player, who has Swiss nationality, is a product of Arsenal's youth academy.

He has represented his adopted country 11 times and was part of their 2006 World Cup squad.

Djourou made his debut for the Gunners in October 2004 in a Carling Cup game against Manchester City, and his Premier League debut came in January 2006 when he was part of the side which hammered Middlesbrough 7-0.

His performances so impressed Gunners boss Arsene Wenger that he was given a six-year contract extension in 2006.

He made 30 appearances for the London club last season and has played 45 times for them in total.

Although he is primarily a centre back, the versatile Djourou has also played in central midfield and as a full back on either flank.

Bruce believes he has signed a player of "genuine quality" in Djourou.

He said: "I honestly think that Djourou can be an Arsenal defender for 10 years.

"He has got strength, pace, great ability on the ball, is a very good footballer and is comfortable at the back and in midfield

"We have a good relationship with Arsenal having taken Nicklas Bendtner, Fabrice Muamba and Sebastian Larsson on loan last season, and I am delighted Arsene Wenger has allowed Johan to join us."