Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hailed the signing of teenager Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, saying he wants the winger to fulfil his potential at the London Premier league club.

Oxlade-Chamberlain joined from Southampton and signed a “long-term deal” on Monday for an undisclosed fee – a deal thought to be up to 15 million pounds (24.6 million dollars). Oxlade-Chamberlain, who turns 18 next week, has already impressed with the England under-21 squad but now Wenger thinks he can take a step up with Arsenal.

“We are delighted that Alex has decided to join us,” Wenger told the club’s official website. “He is an exciting young player who will provide us with creativity and offensive quality.

“Alex is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions. He can play as an attacking centre midfielder, or wide left and right. He is a perceptive passer of the ball, has a great understanding of the game and looks to be a very good team player.”

“We are looking forward to him fulfilling his huge potential with Arsenal.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain joined his new team-mates for his first training session on Tuesday and said he could not wait to get started.

“I’m so excited to be joining Arsenal,” he said. “It’s a fantastic club and I’m really looking forward to playing football at the highest level.

“I’m delighted to be here and I’m looking forward to pushing on and working as hard as I can for the club this season.

“To have the opportunity to play here, develop my game and learn from the players here is very exciting for me. It’s a massive club. They don’t get much bigger than Arsenal and I’ve always been a big fan.” .