The Emirates Stadium outfit – who are reportedly expected to confirm the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil on Monday – have sealed the transfer of the 27-year-old on a season-long loan deal.

A brief statement on Palermo's website partly read: "The goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano was sold to Arsenal on loan with the right of redemption."

Arsenal are reported to have paid a £1million fee for the loan, with the Premier League club having the option of making the deal permanent.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger told the club's official website: "Viviano is a player that we have rated for some time and we are very pleased to have signed him on loan.

"He’s experienced and has proved himself at a high level, and provides us with excellent cover to our existing goalkeepers."

The Italian goalkeeper – who spent last season on loan at Fiorentina – joined Palermo from Inter in 2012.

Viviano, who has been capped by his country, will offer competition to the likes of Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski at Arsenal.