Kyle Bartley admits Swansea's footballing philosophy helped to convince him that a switch from Arsenal would be a step in the right direction.
Defender delighted to have linked up with Laudrup's side
Kyle Bartley admits Swansea's footballing philosophy helped to convince him that a switch from Arsenal would be a step in the right direction.
The 21-year-old defender has secured a move to the Liberty Stadium after struggling to force his way into first-team contention at the Emirates.
Loan spells at Sheffield United and Rangers have, however, allowed him to showcase his considerable talent.
Swansea were among those to keep a close eye on Bartley's situation this summer, before putting a suitable transfer package in place.
Bartley, who did not make a single senior appearance for Arsenal, is looking forward to opening a new chapter in his career, with regular Premier League football at a well-respected club awaiting him in South Wales.
Education
"I had my education at Arsenal and I do like to play football and play it out from the back and watching Swansea last year, that is exactly what they have done so that is a massive thing for me joining Swansea," he told
Swans Player.
"I was newly-promoted to the Arsenal first-team and I spoke to the boss Arsene Wenger briefly last week just wondering what his plans were for the season and he told me game time would be at a minimum, to be honest.
"For that reason I wanted to at least go out on loan and that was going to be the plan until Swansea came in and it was just too much of a good opportunity for me to turn down."
Another Swansea new boy, Jamie Proctor, is also looking forward to playing a part in Michael Laudrup's future plans after completing a protracted switch from League One outfit Preston.
The 20-year-old striker said: "It has been a long, drawn out process that has been going on for a while now and it has been a long summer waiting for it to happen, but I'm finally here and settled in - I'm delighted to be a part of it."
