Birmingham have signed teenage midfielder Fabrice Muamba on a permanent basis from Arsenal.

The 19-year-old has signed a three-year contract after an undisclosed fee was agreed with the Gunners, following his season-long loan to Blues.

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce said: ''This is a great signing for us and I'm absolutely delighted that Fabrice has agreed to join us.

''When he first arrived here I said he would be a big, big player for us and a crowd favourite, and as the season went on that was exactly what he proved to be.

''I thought his performances towards the end of the season and the way he drove the team on was unbelievable for a young kid - he had no fear. He goes box to box all day, wins the ball for you all day long and his passing has improved immensely since the start of the season.''

Muamba made 41 appearances for Blues as they returned to the Premiership.