FC Barcelona have confirmed that they have agreed to sign Gabriel Milito from Real Zaragoza after the protracted chase for the defender came to an end on Wednesday.
The Blaugrana's technical secretary, Txiki Begiristain, was delighted to have finally struck a deal for the Argentinian international.
Having agreed personal terms with the player before he departed for the Copa América, Barça held lengthy negotiations with Zaragoza about the transfer fee.
While the amount has yet to be disclosed, the Catalan giants announced that an agreement had been reached and that Milito will signa four-year deal with buy-out clause of €90m.
"Milito was the best option," Begiristain stated. ""We know him well.
"He has played in the Spanish league for four years at a very high level. He is a leader both on the field and in the dressing room as well as being a great professional with so many qualities.
"He is aggressive, quick, strong in the air and has a good left foot."
Milito will undergo a medical at Camp Nou after he has finished playing in the Copa América for Argentina and will then be allowed to take a short break before joining the squad for pre-season training.
The 26-year-old moved to Real Zaragoza from Independiente in 2003 after the Aragónese outfit moved in when Real Madrid stated that he had not passed a medical at the Bernabéu.
In the proceding four years, the 1.76m-tall defender went on to make 138 appearances for Zaragoza without incurring any major injuries.
Milito is FC Barcelona's fourth summer signing following the arrival of Éric Abidal, Yaya Touré and Thierry Henry.
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