Johan Djourou, the Arsenal defender has joined Birmingham City on loan, becoming the tenth new face at move to St Andrews since the club were promoted from the Championship last May.

The 20-year-old has initially linked up with Steve Bruce's side until January but with a view to extending the agreement until the end of the season if all parties are in agreement. Djourou, a product of Arsenal’s youth academy, will go straight into the squad for Sunday’s Barclays Premier League opener at Chelsea.

The Ivory Coast-born player also has Swiss nationality and has represented his adopted country 11 times, being selected in their 23-man squad for the 2006 World Cup squad.

Djourou made his debut for Arsenal 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 Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, 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 youngster 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. “I honestly think that Djourou can be an Arsenal defender for 10 years," he said. “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.”