Birmingham sign Djourou on loan

Birmingham have completed their 10th signing of the summer after Arsenal centre-back Johan Djourou joined on loan.

The 20-year-old has initially linked up with Blues until January but with a view to extending the agreement until the end of the season if all parties are in agreement.

Djourou will go straight into the squad for Sunday's Barclays Premier League opener at Chelsea.

The Ivory Coast-born player, who has Swiss nationality, is a product of Arsenal's youth academy. He has represented his adopted country 11 times and was part of their 2006 World Cup squad.

Djourou made his debut for the Gunners in October 2004 in a Carling Cup game against Manchester City, and his Premier League debut came in January 2006 when he was part of the side which hammered Middlesbrough 7-0.

His performances so impressed Gunners manager Arsene Wenger that he was given a six-year contract extension in 2006.

He made 30 appearances for the London club last season and has played 45 times for them in total.

Although he is primarily a centre-back, the versatile Djourou has also played in central midfield and as a full-back on either flank.