Arsenal trump Liverpool, Real Madrid for Swiss kid

Arsenal have beaten some of Europe's elite clubs for the signature of highly-rated Swiss defender Philippe Senderos.

Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich were all tracking the 17-year-old star who currently plies his trade with Swiss club Servette.

However, in the end, Senderos, who recently starred for the Swiss U-17 side in the European Championships, chose to join the English double-winners.

The gifted teenager is expected to arrive at Highbury on June 1 when his contract with Servette expires and is looking forward to experiencing the passion of the English game.

"The English develop a fighting spirit in players and that is the reason I want to play at Arsenal," Senderos said.

"In England football is a religion. I think playing in the premier league will allow me to develop better as a player."