Wenger grabs Benayoun and Arteta

LONDON

Arsenal strengthened its struggling squad on transfer deadline by signing midfielders Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun along with defenders Andre Santos and Per Mertesacker.

The urgency to spend some of the cash brought in from Barcelona for Cesc Fabregas and from Manchester City for Samir Nasri came after a dismal start to the season.

Just one point has been collected from Arsenal's first three league matches, including an 8-2 rout by Manchester United on Sunday.

And manager Arsene Wenger abandoned his usual policy of signing emerging talent by capturing experienced players.

Arteta, the 29-year-old Spaniard who is leaving Everton after six years, signed a four-year Arsenal deal.

New teammate Jack Wilshere tweeted: ''Brilliant signing! Welcome to Arteta! Great day all round.''

The 31-year-old Benayoun has joined on a season-long loan Chelsea after missing six months of his debut season after rupturing his Achilles' on international duty with Israel.

Santos, Brazil's 28-year-old left back, joined for ?7 million ($10 million) from Turkish champion Fenerbahce.

''Santos is a quality player, with the ability to both defend well and get forward and help with attacks,'' Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. ''He has experience in the Champions League and for Brazil and has proven he can deliver at the highest level.''

''It was one of my dreams to play for a major European football club and I have accomplished this,'' Santos said after signing an undisclosed long-term contract. ''I am very happy to be part of this team. All the Brazilians who came to this club spoke wonders about it and I am delighted to be part of the Arsenal family.''

The 26-year-old Mertesacker joined from Werder Bremen on a contract through to 2015, the Germany center back said.

''He is a German international with vast experience and strength and is good on the floor and in the air,'' Wenger said. ''I believe he will be well-suited to the Premier League and a tremendous asset to the team.''

Meanwhile, Arsenal has sent Costa Rica striker Joel Campbell on loan to French club Lorient until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old striker has only just joined Arsenal from Deportivo Saprissa but the north London club wants him to get first-team experience in France.