Liverpool sign Southampton defender Dejan Lovren, David Ospina headed to Arsenal

DEJAN Lovren has signed with Liverpool while Arsenal confirms a deal has been made to bring Nice goalkeeper David Ospina to the Emirates.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 05: Dejan Lovren of Southampton applauds the supporters following the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Southampton at Etihad Stadium on April 05, 2014 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)

CROATIA defender Dejan Lovren has signed a long-term deal with English Premier League side Liverpool from Southampton, his new club has confirmed.

The 25-year-old becomes manager Brendan Rodgers’ fifth signing of the off-season and the third from Southampton, following striker Rickie Lambert and midfielder Adam Lallana.

The deal is reported to be worth an estimated $A36.68 million.

A Liverpool statement read: “Liverpool Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of defender Dejan Lovren from Southampton.

“The 25-year-old Croatian international today put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the Reds after completing his medical.” Lovren told the club’s website: “It’s a dream come true.

“I’m happy and glad to be here. I’m proud and can’t wait to start. I know we have millions and millions of supporters - Liverpool is more than a club.

“After I played at Anfield last season, I said to myself: `One day I hope I’ll be able to play here for Liverpool’. The fans will know from the first minute that I’m a player that will give 100 per cent on the pitch.” Lovren, who joined Southampton from Lyon for STG8.5 million, leaves St Mary’s 12 months into a four-year contract.

Colombia's goalkeeper David Ospina has sealed a move to Arsenal from Nice.

In other signing news, Arsenal say they have signed Colombia’s World Cup goalkeeper David Ospina from French club Nice.

Ospina, 25, was one of the stars of the World Cup with spectacular performances as his country reached the quarter-finals for the first time. He will compete for an Arsenal starting place with Polish international Wojciech Szczesny.

Arsenal said he would sign a “long-term contract”, but did not give the fee. French reports this week said Arsenal would pay about four million euros ($5.4 million). Ospina has been at Nice for six seasons.

“David Ospina is an excellent goalkeeper, with good experience and a proven record of performing with Nice and Colombia,” said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

“He will add strength to our squad and we are very pleased that he will be joining us.” Ospina is expected to make his first appearance at the Emirates Cup friendly tournament, which takes place at Arsenal next weekend.

Originally published as Liverpool sign Southampton defender Dejan Lovren, David Ospina headed to Arsenal