Italian giants AC Milan have completed the season long loan signing of Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos. The Swiss player’s departure from the Emirates Stadium is a surprise, but Manager Arsene Wenger has argued that the arrival of French defender Mikhail Silvestre last weekend created a “congestion” in the Gunners’ squad.

Senderos signed for Arsenal from Swiss team Servette in 2003. He has consistently played a part in the Gunners team but has never been able to fully establish himself. He was a part of the team that kept a record ten clean sheets on the way to reaching the Champions League Final in 2006, but his unfortunate habit of making errors in big games make be the reason for his departure. Senderos was widely blamed for two mistakes in Arsenal’s Champions League exit last season to Liverpool.

Wenger has stressed that at the present time the deal is not permanent and there may still be an opportunity for the 23 year Swiss international to resurrect his career at the end of the season. Senderos will link up with former Arsenal team mate Mathieu Flamini, who recently moved to Milan on a free transfer.

Senderos has made 115 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 4 goals.