Tottenham coach Juande Ramos hailed Giovani dos Santos as an "exciting signing" after the London club finalised his move from Barcelona for an initial £4.7 million.

The 19-year-old Mexico international, who signed a five-year deal, could cost Spurs £8.6million depending on appearances.

But Ramos is already convinced that he has landed a player who could set the Barclays Premier League alight.

"If Giovani progresses as we hope, he will be a terrific player," said Ramos. "This is a young player with a lot of potential, who I have watched for some time.

"For us it is an exciting signing because he has excellent quality, he operates well in different positions and, above all, is technically excellent."

Barcelona have retained the right to 20 per cent of any fee should the teenager move on from Spurs in the next two years and they will get 10 per cent of any fee if he is sold later in his contract.

Giovani was delighted to have clinched his move to the London club after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.

He said: "It's a dream to come to a big club like Spurs. I came here because of the passion of the fans, the size of the club and I can see us growing in the future."

Tottenham's Sporting Director Damien Comolli is convinced that Giovani will be a massive asset for the club.

"Giovani possesses a great combination of physical power and explosivity, along with fine technical skills," said Comolli.

"He is someone who can create and score goals. He is young but not without experience and will be a great asset for the club.

"The fact we have a Spanish speaking coaching staff, as well as Gilberto, will help him adapt, settle quickly and I believe he has the skills to be successful in England."

The youngster joined Barcelona five years ago and came through the youth ranks at the Nou Camp.

He was selected for the first team under former boss Frank Rijkaard last season - scoring a hat-trick in the final league game of the season as Barcelona beat Murcia 5-3.

Giovani can also play in attack or in a support role behind a main striker and helped Mexico to win the world under-17 championship in Peru three years ago.

Meanwhile, Arsenal striker Carlos Vela believes his international team-mate will finally get the chance to show off his talents at White Hart Lane.

Vela, who has yet to appear for the Gunners after spending the last two seasons on loan at Celta Vigo, Salamanca and Osasuna in Spain, came to prominence alongside Giovani when the two spearheaded Mexico's strike force in the country's Under-17 World Cup triumph.

Vela signed for Arsenal shortly after that tournament, but was forced to go out on loan due to work permit requirements.

Giovani was already contracted to Barcelona at that point and looked set to follow in the illustrious footsteps of fellow youth team graduate Lionel Messi.

"I am happy for him," Vela said.

"I hope things go well for him at Tottenham, that he gets the minutes (on the pitch) he wasn't given at Barcelona and that he shows what he can do."

PA