ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN last night got an early birthday present - a £15m switch to Arsenal.
The highly-rated Southampton superkid, 18 next Monday, finally completed his move to the Gunners.
He said: "I'm so excited to be joining Arsenal. It's a fantastic club and I'm really looking forward to the opportunity of playing at the highest level.
"Arsenal have a great manager in Arsene Wenger, top quality players and an attractive style of play.
"These were all important factors in me choosing to sign for Arsenal.
"I'm proud to be joining Arsenal but I would also like to thank everyone at Southampton for their help and support during the early part of my career, for which I will always be grateful.
"I'm now looking forward to giving absolutely everything in an Arsenal shirt."
Gunners boss Wenger, who has been after the player for eight months, said: "We are delighted.
"He is an exciting young player who will provide us with creativity and offensive quality."
Wenger had a £5m bid for the youngster turned down by Saints in January.
The South Coast club's chairman Nicola Cortese then proved he is no pushover by rejecting a £7m offer from the Gunners last month, forcing Wenger to more than double the bid.
Arsenal will pay an initial £12m up front with the remaining £3m based on appearances and 'add-ons'.
The Ox follows in the footsteps of England winger Theo Walcott, who joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2006.
The highly-rated Southampton superkid, 18 next Monday, finally completed his move to the Gunners.
"Arsenal have a great manager in Arsene Wenger, top quality players and an attractive style of play.
"These were all important factors in me choosing to sign for Arsenal.
"I'm proud to be joining Arsenal but I would also like to thank everyone at Southampton for their help and support during the early part of my career, for which I will always be grateful.
"I'm now looking forward to giving absolutely everything in an Arsenal shirt."
Gunners boss Wenger, who has been after the player for eight months, said: "We are delighted.
"He is an exciting young player who will provide us with creativity and offensive quality."
Wenger had a £5m bid for the youngster turned down by Saints in January.
The South Coast club's chairman Nicola Cortese then proved he is no pushover by rejecting a £7m offer from the Gunners last month, forcing Wenger to more than double the bid.
Arsenal will pay an initial £12m up front with the remaining £3m based on appearances and 'add-ons'.
The Ox follows in the footsteps of England winger Theo Walcott, who joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2006.
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