Arsenal on Monday completed the signing of teenage winger Alex Chamberlain, whose experience has been limited to the third tier with Southampton.
The England under-21 international joined from the south-coast club for a reported fee of 12 million pounds ($20 million) that could rise to 15 million pounds ($25 million).
''He is an exciting young player who will provide us with creativity and offensive quality,'' Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on the club website. ''Alex is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions. He can play as an attacking center midfielder, or wide left and right.
''Alex is a perceptive passer of the ball and has a great understanding of the game and looks to be a very good team player.''
The 17-year-old Chamberlain helped Southampton secure promotion to the League Championship in May with nine goals in 34 appearances.
''Alex has done extremely well during his development with Southampton,'' Wenger said. ''We are looking forward to him progressing even further and fulfilling his huge potential with Arsenal.''
Chamberlain was the second-youngest player to feature for Southampton after Theo Walcott, who joined Arsenal in 2006.
''It's a fantastic club and I'm really looking forward to the opportunity of playing football at the highest level,'' Chamberlain said. ''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.''
