Ex-Arsenal player takes Chinese citizenship in landmark move to Guoan

Two foreign born football players have signed for Chinese Super League club Beijing Guoan and will take Chinese citizenship.

Ex-Arsenal player Nico Yennaris arrived from English second-tier side Brentford and was joined at Guoan by fellow midfielder John Hou Saeter, who was born in Norway.

Arsenal's Nico Yennaris plays against Manchester United during their English Premier League soccer match at Emirates Stadium, London, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012. [Photo: IC]

The duo -- both of whom have Chinese mothers -- are set to become China's first naturalized footballers and, therefore, don't take up the Super League side's four foreign player spots.

Two players will also have chances to go on to represent China in international competitions.

25-year-old Yennaris has taken the Chinese name Li Ke.

21-year-old Saeter, who will use his Chinese name Hou Yongyong, moves from Stabaek in Norway's top league.