Ecuador World Cup Winger Jefferson Montero Joins Swansea City

Swansea City have signed rumoured Arsenal target Jefferson Montero from Mexican club Monarcas Morelia.

Last month, the Ecuadorian international had confirmed that there was an offer from a European club and the Gunners were believed to be an interested party.

The 24-year-old winger, who can also play as a secondary striker, had made it clear that he would be leaving Mexico in the ongoing transfer window.

The former Villareal and Real Betis player penned a four-year contract with the Welsh club to become their sixth summer signing, following the arrival of Lukasz Fabianski, Bafetimbi Gomis, Marvin Emnes, Stephen Kingsley and Gylfi Sigurdsson.

The statement on Swansea's official website read: "Swansea City have completed their sixth summer signing with the arrival of Ecuador winger Jefferson Montero."

"The 24-year-old, renowned for his pace, has penned a four-year deal at the Liberty following his move from Mexican top-flight club Morelia for an undisclosed fee."

"After passing his medical, Montero was straight onto the training pitch today (Thursday) as he linked up with his new team-mates."

Expressing joy about signing for a Premier League side, Montero revealed that his compatriot Antonio Valencia, who plays for Manchester United, had only words of praise for the Welsh club.

"I was impressed by Swansea when I played against them in a friendly (at the Liberty) while I was at (Real) Betis. Their style is very attractive. And Antonio Valencia also spoke very well about the team – he said they are always a tough team to play against," the 24-year-old told Swansea's official website with the help of a translator.

"We've spoken recently and we joked about Swansea and Manchester United playing in the first game. So that will be an interesting match for us. He also told me how great the league is. Every single game is very competitive, and I'm really looking forward to playing in it."

"I've played in La Liga and in Mexico, but now I am in the Premier League – the best in the world - and I want to thank Swansea for giving me this opportunity. The welcome I have had here is unbelievable. Everybody is really nice and they have made it easy for me."

"I can't speak English yet, but I'm determined to be able to communicate very soon in English with my team-mates and the coaches as it is very important to me," he concluded.