Arsenal swoop late to sign Diarra

LONDON, England -- Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle all left it late to beat the transfer deadline and make last-minute signings -- as Premier League managers went into overdrive in a bid to strengthen their squads for the season.

Arsenal have signed France international midfielder Lassana Diarra from Chelsea on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

West Ham confirmed the signings of Henri Camara from Wigan and Nolberto Solano from Newcastle, while the Magpies beat the transfer deadline to complete the signings of Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye.

Versatile 22-year-old Diarra had found first-team opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge and told the Arsenal website: "I have great respect for the manager Arsene Wenger and am attracted by the style of football that the team plays.

"Of course I am excited by what the future holds and keen to play my part in helping Arsenal fight for trophies this season and for years to come."

Striker Camara has signed on a season-long loan at Upton Park while Solano joins on a one-year contract with the option of another year.

Defensive pair Beye and Faye had been expected to make the move to Newcastle but left it late to confirm their three-year deals.

Middlesbrough overcame a late complication to complete the £5 million signing of Gary O'Neil from Portsmouth less than an hour before the transfer deadline.

As the midnight deadline approached, Reading signed Liam Rosenior from Fulham with Seol Ki-Hyeon moving in the opposite direction.

Fulham were one of the most active teams, with Tottenham midfielder Danny Murphy also joining on a one-year deal from Tottenham.

Fulham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop became Portsmouth's second signing of the day. Having already signed spent £4 million to sign Chelsea right-back Glen Johnson on a four-year contract, manager Harry Redknapp signed the Senegal international on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

One player who had already departed Fratton Park was Dejan Stefanovic, who joined Fulham for £1 million on a two-year deal, subject to a work permit. E

Elsewhere, the busiest managers could be found in the midlands with Aston Villa, Birmingham and Derby all making moves.

Martin O'Neill's pursuit of defender Curtis Davies finally came to a successful conclusion in what could be a potential club-record deal. The West Brom centre-half secured a season-long loan at Villa with a view to a permanent switch which would be worth £10 million with add-ons.

O'Neill, who also signed Zat Knight this week, then made Togo midfielder Moustapha Salifou his third buy during the last 48 hours, signing him from Swiss club Wil on a one-year contract.

Scotland striker Kenny Miller swapped Celtic for Pride Park after joining Derby for an undisclosed fee, while Birmingham manager Steve Bruce secured the services of midfielder Wilson Palacios on loan from Honduran club Olimpia until the end of December and Borja Oubina on a season-long loan from Spanish club Celta Vigo. E-mail to a friend