Swansea City complete signing of Andre Ayew on a free transfer from Marseille

Swansea City have beaten off competition and completed the signing of free agent Andre Ayew from Ligue 1 club Marseille.

"Swansea City have completed their first transfer of the summer after signing Ghanaian forward Andre Ayew on a free transfer from Marseille, subject to Premier League and international clearance," a statement on the Swans' official site read.

The Ghanaian forward, who was a target for various European clubs including Premier League big guns Tottenham and Liverpool, agreed a four-year deal with Garry Monk's team on Wednesday, 10 June.

Ayew is a big coup for the South Wales club, as he can play anywhere across the front three or as a number 10 behind the main striker. He was impressive for Marseille in the French league this season, scoring 10 goals in 29 appearances to help them finish in the fourth place.

The 25-year-old forward admitted that it was a difficult decision to leave Marseille, and revealed that he had plenty of other offers from clubs around Europe.

"It was a very difficult decision to leave Marseille. I spent so many years there – I was in the youth team before breaking into the first team and stayed all of my life in Marseille," Ayew told Swansea's official site, in his first interview as a Swan.

"It's true that I had a lot of offers, so I needed to take my time to make the right decision for my future. I didn't want to rush but I feel I have made the right decision."

But his keenness to play in the Premier League and a chat with good friend and new teammate Bafetimbi Gomis was enough to convince him that Swansea was the best place for him to continue his development as a player.

"I spoke to Bafe, who really wanted me to come here. He told me about the club's record season and also about the team spirit, manager, training, the players and how everyone is united."

"Those are great things for me to hear. I know the squad will help me settle in and we will help each other to make Swansea a better team – that's what is important," the Ghanaian international added.

"The project that the club has for the future is very exciting, and when I spoke to the chairman and manager I felt this was the right place for me."

"I felt that my desire to play in the Premier League and wanting to grow as a player meant that Swansea was the best solution for me in every way," Ayew concluded.