Alexander Hleb is poised to become an Arsenal player after Stuttgart accepted an appearance-related offer of just under £10m for the Belarus midfielder.
Hleb has still to pass a medical and agree terms, but those are regarded as formalities.
“I don’t envisage any problems,” the player’s agent Colin Gordon said last night. “Hleb and Arsenal should be finalised in the next 24 hours.”
Hleb, 24, requires a work permit but as he is a regular in the Belarus midfield, that should not be a problem.
“I am very happy to have this fantastic opportunity to join Arsenal,” said Hleb.
“They are a club with a great history and many world-class players.”
Arsène Wenger added: “Alexander Hleb is a player I have admired for some time now and I know he will provide our squad with great quality.
“He has proved his ability with his performances in the Bundesliga in recent seasons and he definitely has the potential to do very well.”
