The Belarusian international signed a four-year contract with the Catalan giants after completing a medical. Barcelona said the move cost them million Euros ($23.87 million), with a further two million payable dependent on results.

The 27-year-old's arrival comes only a couple of days Barcelona confirmed the transfer of star midfielder Ronaldinho to AC Milan.

Ronaldinho was deemed a surplus to Barcelona's needs by new coach Josep Guardiola, who hailed the arrival of Hleb to Nou Camp.

"Hleb was a priority for us. He is extremely versatile with great footballing skills," Guardiola told a news conference.

Hleb couldn't hide his excitement about joining the Blaugrana.

"I love this club (Barcelona)" said Hleb. "I spoke with (coach Josep) Guardiola and it was very important for me to learn how much he wanted me."

Hleb began his career with local club FC BATE before moving to Bundesliga side Stuttgart in 2000. He joined Arsenal for 11.2 million pounds in 2005.