Arsenal have once again raided Southampton to sign yet another highly-rated youngster, they’ve signed 17-year-old attacking midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a long-term contract.

The North London club brought Theo Walcott from Southampton in January 2006 for £5m.

The fee for Oxlade-Chamberlain is undisclosed, however, Arsenal are reported to have paid initially a fee of £12m, that could rise to £15m.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told his club’s official website: “We are delighted that Alex has decided to join us.

“He is an exciting young player who will provide us with creativity and offensive quality. Alex is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions. He can play as an attacking centre midfielder, or wide left and right.

“Alex is a perceptive passer of the ball and has a great understanding of the game and looks to be a very good team player.”

He added: “Alex has done extremely well during his development with Southampton and we are looking forward to him progressing even further and fulfilling his huge potential with Arsenal Football Club.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain said: “I’m so excited to be joining Arsenal. It’s a fantastic club and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity of playing football at the highest level.

“Arsenal have a great manager in Arsene Wenger, top quality players and an attractive style of play. These were all important factors in me choosing to sign for Arsenal.

“I’m proud to be joining Arsenal, but I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Southampton for their help and support during the early part of my career, for which I will always be grateful.”

He added: “I’m now looking forward to meeting all my new team mates and giving absolutely everything in an Arsenal shirt.”

Nottingham Forest have swooped to sign Southampton striker David McGoldrick for a seven-figure fee.

The Nottingham-born 21-year-old has penned a four-year contract at the City Ground.

Forest manager Billy Davies told his club’s official website: “I think it’s a very good signing for everyone connected with Nottingham Forest because of the quality David has and also his age.

“He’s coming away from Southampton as their leading scorer, so we’ve got someone who can certainly create and score goals. He’s someone who will only get better.

“He’s got outstanding ability and is a very difficult player to pin down on the pitch. He will bring something different to the squad.”

McGoldrick added: “I’m a Nottingham lad and I’m so happy to be back.

“I was with Southampton for five years and to get the chance to come back home where my family and friends are is a dream.

“Following Southampton’s relegation my agent told me that a few clubs were interested in me.

“But once I became aware of Forest’s interest, I told him to get me there and he’s managed to do that, which I’m very grateful for.”

Anthony Pulis has left Stoke City and joined Southampton on a free transfer.

The 24-year old, who has signed a two-year contract at St. Mary’s, is the son of Stoke manager Tony Pulis.

Saints manager Jan Poortvliet told his club’s official website: “Anthony a good footballing player and he’s young. That’s good for us and he wants to prove himself. Maybe that will be easier at a club where the boss is not his Dad!”

“At the moment he’s out injured but we look forward to seeing what he can do when he’s back to full fitness. We now have a lot of competition for places and Anthony will certainly add to that in midfield.”

Pulis said: “I’m pleased to get it all wrapped up before the close of the transfer window and I’m looking forward to what I hope will be an exciting new challenge.”

He added: “We played in pre-season and I think it started from there, as I heard soon afterwards that Southampton had made enquiries.

“I was interested straight away, and I think that my style of play suits the style that Jan Poortvliet is trying to adopt down here. I knew it was a great club and it should be in the Premiership, but fans might have to be a bit patient while the young team gels together.

“They’ve already made a great start to the season though and I’m really looking forward to getting involved.”

Chelsea defender Jack Cork has joined Southampton on loan until January.

The 19-year-old told the Saints’ official website: “I’m very happy to come to Southampton. It’s a massive Club. I went to Bournemouth on loan in 2007 and I know quite a few of the lads here already. I know they have the potential to succeed.”

He continued: “Coming from Chelsea, I think that [Southampton manager] Jan Poortvliet’s style of play will suit my own and I’m looking forward to getting involved.

“This morning was my first session with the team, so perhaps the Derby match will be a bit too soon, but I’ll be ready whenever the manager wants me. I can also play in a range of positions so I’m happy to play wherever I’m required.”

He added: “I want to basically play as many games as I can and want to help Saints do well. Chelsea sent me on loan because it’s a fantastic learning opportunity and I just hope I can play a role as soon as possible. I spoke to [Chelsea's Director of Youth Development] Frank Arnesen and he told me that Southampton would be the best place for me to come.”