Arsene Wenger relaxed his stringent rules on contracts for players over the age of 30 to sign Squillaci on a three-year deal from Sevilla towards the end of the summer transfer window in 2010. The Frenchman followed his compatriot Laurent Koscielny to Emirates Stadium and adds valuable experience to the Gunners' backline.

Squillaci also brings experience of winning trophies - something that has eluded many of his new team-mates - and has enjoyed success at every club he has represented, including Ajaccio with whom he won the Ligue 2 title during a loan spell in 2002.

After returning to parent club Monaco, Squillaci won the Coupe de la Ligue in 2003 and played a prominent role in their run to the 2004 Champions League final, where they would lose to Porto. In 2006 he moved to Lyon and cemented his reputation as one of the French league's best defenders when winning back-to-back titles as well as the French Cup in 2008.

His exploits at Stade Gerland saw him secure a move to Sevilla in 2008, where he won the Copa del Rey in 2010, before Squillaci angered the Spanish club by pulling out of a Champions League tie at the start of the 2010-11 season in order to ensure he would not be cup-tied for Arsenal. He was also a member of the France squad that infamously went on strike during the 2010 World Cup.

Strengths: Strong in the air and on the ground, Squillaci reads the game well and is adept at snuffing out danger with a well-timed tackle. He boasts presence at set-pieces at both ends of the pitch.

Weaknesses: A late of pace is a worrying trait in the fast-paced Premier League and his use of the ball is not as accomplished as that of his rivals in the position.

Career high: Winning the domestic Double with Lyon in the 2007-08 season.

Career low: Appearing as a 72nd-minute substitute as Monaco were defeated 3-0 by Porto in the 2004 Champions League final.

Style: Experienced, reliable, strong, a real defender.

Quotes: "We needed a centre-back of quality and experience if possible and at the right price - he was all of that. I believe he will be suited to the English game." Arsene Wenger, August 2010.

Trivia: Squillaci is the 20th French player to be signed by Arsenal since Arsene Wenger's arrival at the club in 1996.