Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Land Kim Kallstrom from Spartak Moscow on Loan

Arsenal have announced their first signing of the January transfer window, confirming that Kim Kallstrom will join their fight until the end of the season.

The club's official Twitter account posted that the Spartak Moscow midfielder has signed on a short-term deal:

It's a late time for Arsene Wenger to make what is likely his only transfer of the winter period, but some business is undoubtedly better than no business at all.

The Telegraph's Jeremy Wilson confirms that there won't be any more business at the Emirates following this acquisition:

Kallstrom comes into a Gunners midfield that's been rocked by absences of late. Mathieu Flamini is about to miss out on the first of his three suspended games for the two-footed challenge that saw him sent off against Southampton, while Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere aren't expected to make their returns from injury just yet.

The Swede has made more than 100 appearances for his national team and is assured to bring a wealth of experience to Wenger's ranks if nothing else.

For what they lack in speed, a central pairing of Kallstrom and Mikel Arteta could pose a very technical threat. They're both 31 years old. 

Wenger told the official Arsenal website upon the arrival of his latest asset:

"Kim Kallstrom is a hugely-experienced player. He is a midfielder with proven quality at both club and international level. We welcome Kim to Arsenal."

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Kallstrom talked to the media for the first time as an Arsenal player later on Friday (footage courtesy of Footy-Goals.net):

The veteran playmaker has made 10 appearances for Spartak in the Russian Premier League this term, per Transfermarkt, but has found the competition provided by Tino Costa and Rafael Carioca to be difficult to contend with at times.

That being said, the 31-year-old will jump at the opportunity to feature for his new Premier League outfit while their sidelined members remain out of action.