Hleb joins Barca

The Catalan club confirmed the deal this morning, and he has officially been unveiled as a Barcelona player now, less that 24 hours after the departure of Ronaldinho.The midfielder had been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium for a number of months as he sought a new challenge, and the rumours intensified after some rather explosive comments from his agent last month.

He denied allegations of a rift with manager Arsene Wenger or team-mate Cesc Fabregas, but it had been known for a while that his time with Arsenal was as good as over.The signing of Samir Nasri was what saw the Gunners give the nod, and he now moves to Camp Nou to replace Ronaldinho.

Internazionale were said to be interested in him - even accused of making an illegal approach - something the player and the club denied, but it is the Catalans who sealed a deal worth 15 million euros, and five more based on results and performances.
Hleb told Barcelona's television channel: "I love this club.

Hleb joins Barca

It was revealed recently that Barca had reached an agreement with the Gunners and would announce the signing after Hleb flew to Catalunya to complete a medical and agree a four-year deal.And it is now being reported that the Blaugrana will unveil the Belarusian playmaker on Tuesday after finalising a deal comprising ₤12.5million up front with a potential ₤2.5million in add-ons.

The 27-year-old, who signed for Arsenal for ₤10million in 2005, is set to earn around ₤65,000-per-week at Camp Nou and will have the unenviable task of making Barca fans forget about Ronaldinho and Deco.Hleb’s departure from the Emirates was all but sealed once Arsene Wenger wrapped up the signing of French prodigy Samir Nasri, who will almost certainly replace the former VfB Stuttgart man on the flanks.Welsh youngster Aaron Ramsey, who snubbed interest from Manchester United and Everton to join the north London club, could also be given the chance to cement himself on the wing should Tomas Rosicky fail to deliver next term.