Bayern Munich's new player Mehdi Benatia attends a news conference at Bayern Munich's headquarters together with the club's media director Markus Hoerwick, CFO Jan-Christian Dreesen and sporting director Matthias Sammer (R-L) in Munich, Aug
Bayern Munich's new player Mehdi Benatia attends a news conference at Bayern Munich's headquarters together with the club's media director Markus Hoerwick, CFO Jan-Christian Dreesen and sporting director Matthias Sammer (R-L) in Munich, August 28, 2014. REUTERS/Alexander Hassenstein/

Highly rated defender Mehdi Benatia, who was linked with Arsenal and Manchester United, has already signed with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

The former AS Roma man signed a five-year contract with Die Roten, with a reported transfer fee of £23million.

"It's a great opportunity for me," the 27-year-old said.

"I'm playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world now."

He helped the Giallorossi to a second place finish last season in the Serie A, which booked them a group stage slot in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, sporting director Matthias Sammer was pleased with what had transpired as he sees Benatia to be a key defensive man, who will be fielded in in lieu of injured Javi Martinez.

"I'm delighted Mehdi has decided to join us," said Sammer.

"He's strong, tough in the tackle and a good passer of the ball. He has all the attributes to help him succeed at FC Bayern."

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