LONDON — Arsenal was the most active of major clubs on transfer deadline day, strengthening its squad with four signings as manager Arsene Wenger acted late to try to end his team's struggles in the Premier League.

Motivated by his team's humiliating 8-2 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, Wenger signed Mikel Arteta from Everton and Yossi Benayoun from Chelsea in the final hour of the window to add some creativity to his midfield after the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

Arsenal had earlier reinforced its ailing defense Wednesday by bringing in Brazil left back Andre Santos from Fenerbahce and Germany center back Per Mertesacker from Werder Bremen.

Chelsea signed Raul Meireles to a four-year deal from Liverpool, and Manchester City wrapped up its active summer in the market by bringing in Owen Hargreaves on a one-year deal.