Arsenal have announced the signing of highly-rated youngster Lino Sousa from West Bromwich Albion.

The left-back - who is also capable of playing in midfield - came through the Baggies' youth system and impressed in the Under-18 Premier League last term, recording two goals and an assist in 16 appearances.

Sousa's rise saw him make his first Premier League 2 appearance against Newcastle United's Under-23s at the age of just 16 last February, and the defender has hailed an "amazing" move to North London after signing his first professional contract.

Speaking to arsenal.com, Sousa said: "It's an amazing feeling. I'd like to thank the club for giving me this opportunity to be here and I'm just really excited to get going to be honest.

"I feel really good. The players have made me feel welcome and I've been with the under-18s and under-23s and they're a really good bunch of lads!"

Sousa is also a two-cap England Under-16 international and already has one Arsenal Under-18 appearance under his belt - coming off the bench in a 4-0 rout of Chelsea's youth last week before his arrival was officially confirmed. body check tags ::