Manchester City sign Brazil international Fernandinho for £34m

The midfielder becomes the latest big name player to arrive at the Etihad

Fernandinho (GETTY IMAGES)

Having been dethroned of their Premier League crown, Manchester City are sending out a message to their Premier League rivals with their summer transfer activity.

Today, the club announced the arrival of Brazil defensive midfielder Fernandinho from Shakhtar Donetsk.

He becomes the second signing of the summer for City after Sevilla announced a deal had been agreed for Jesus Navas.

It was reported that Fernandinho, a pacy 28-year-old, was in Manchester yesterday and his arrival, which is thought to have set the big-spending club back £34m, has now been confirmed.

"This is a change, a challenge and a chance that I have been waiting a long time for. Playing in the Premier League for City is like a dream," Fernandinho said.

"My ambition here is to win all the titles, the team here is strong, and so is the greatness of the club and the supporters. Professionally this is a spectacular thing. Playing for a huge club in a huge league makes me so happy. I hope I will be able to repay City for what they have done for me.

“I know I will face challenges but I am prepared for them. Every player at a high level faces pressure and must respond and I am ready for that too. I know a lot about City. Ever since they expressed an interest in me, I have been learning more."

Fernandinho, who has five Brazil caps, had previously said he hoped a move to City would improve his chances of making the national squad for the 2014 World Cup on home soil.

He is described by City on their website as "a box-to-box player with explosive pace and a taste for spectacular long-range shots."

He will wear the number 25 shirt.