Confirmed: Real Madrid sign midfielder Lucas Silva from Brazilian club Cruzeiro

Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Lucas Silva from Cruzeiro for an undisclosed fee. The midfielder has signed a five-year deal with the La Liga club.

"Real Madrid C. F. and Cruzeiro Esporte Clube have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player Lucas Silva, who will be tied to the club until 30 June, 2020," a statement on the club's official site read.

"The player will be unveiled on Monday, 26 January at 1pm CET in the Santiago Bernabéu presidential box, after undergoing the relevant medical examination."

"Subsequently, Lucas Silva will step on to the Santiago Bernabéu pitch for the first time in the Real Madrid shirt and will speak to the media in the press room," the statement added.

Apart from the Spanish capital club, Premier League side Arsenal were also linked with a move for the midfielder, with reports suggesting that the Gunners were the only club to have met the midfielder's asking price.

The arrival of the Brazilian, could spell the end for Real midfielder Asier Illarramendi, who will be looking at a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu in search of regular game time.

The former Real Sociedad midfielder has been linked with a move to the north London club, as Arsene Wenger continues his search for a long-term replacement for skipper Mikel Arteta.

The 21-year-old, who was voted the best defensive midfielder in the Brazilian league, has expressed sadness over leaving Cruzeiro, the club where he has spent the last eight years of his career. He refused to bid adieu to the club, as he hoped to come back and play for the club again in the future.

"These almost eight years I lived within the Cruise were striking. Here got many achievements, thank God. Cruzeiro Esporte Clube always was, is and will always be my home. Rather not say goodbye, I say see you soon and am very proud to have honored this shirt. I hope to return one day to wear again, this heavenly robe. A hug Lucas Silva, one cruzeirense eternal," Silva told Cruzeiro's official site.

The Brazil U23 midfielder, who spent his formative years at the club and thanked everyone involved in making him the player he is today and the president for helping him fulfill his childhood dream.

"I am very happy with this time. It is a unique opportunity in my life is a dream come true. I could not fail to thank the club, the staff, the players, the coaching staff, especially the coach. I also thank the President who answered my personal request, making me realize that dream," the Cruzeiro star added.

"I am grateful to this wonderful crowd, which made me shiver several times in the legume, always selling out the stadium, encouraging me and making me race had on the pitch," he said, thanking the fans of the club.