West Bromwich Albion have signed Nigerian striker Nwankwo Kanu on a free transfer.

Kanu agreed a three-year deal after undergoing a medical.

The Nigerian spent five and a half years at champions Arsenal after initial success he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Highbury.

“The reasons I think he’s joining us are all footballing ones and it’s a big coup for this club,” said West Brom manager Gary Megson.

“One of the things I mentioned to Kanu was that we would be bringing in other players.

“And while he will make a difference to us, it’s important we don’t just think this signing will transform us overnight, although it’s a massive signing for West Brom.”

Kanu started his career at Ajax Amsterdam with whom he played in two European Cup finals, before joining Inter. It wasthere that he was diagnosed with a rare heart condition which looked like ending his career prematurely, but he recovered successfully after an operation in 1996.