Southend United have received confirmation that they have signed Arsenal's Sanchez Watt on loan before the closure of the January transfer window on Monday.

Blues have moved moments before the deadline to seal the 18-year-olds signature for an initial month.

But United have only just received final confirmation from the football authorities that the deal went through in time.

Watt, who can play on the left wing or upfront, was a key member of Arsenal's under 18 double-winning team last season.

In July 2008 Watt signed a professional contract for the Premier League side and the following month he netted against Huddersfield Town to help Arsenal win the Herbert Chapman Trophy at the Galpharm Stadium in pre-season.

He made a total of six appearances for the Arsenal reserve team and a further 21 for the youth team last season.

In September last year Watt scored on his Arsenal first team debut, a 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the third round of the 2009/10 League Cup at the Emirates Stadium.

He went on to make three appearances this season in the same competition for the Gunners first team.

Blues manager Steve Tilson said: "It's a good signing for us as he's someone we have watched before.

"He's played for Arsenal's first team at a young age and done well and he's left footed.

"He plays on the left wing but he can also play on the left side of a three man attack.

"That is something we haven't had in the team for a while so it's a good option to have and with Anthony Grant out injured, Stuart O'Keefe struggling with a groin problem and Alan McCormack suspended it gives us a boost."

Sanchez will go straight into the squad for the Essex derby at Colchester United next Monday.