Amaury Bischoff says he is set to join Arsenal after turning down a new contract at Werder Bremen.
The French-born midfielder has had his career tracked by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger since he was a youngster with Strasbourg.
He moved to Bremen in 2005, but has made just one senior appearance for the club against Celta Vigo in the Uefa Cup in 2007.
The 21-year-old was offered a new deal to stay in the Bundesliga, but claims he was unable to turn down the chance to move to Arsenal.
"Bremen was superb, but Arsenal is a huge opportunity for me," Bischoff told Bild.
"Wenger has known me since my time at Strasbourg and believes in my quality. He trusts me to be in the first team.
"Wenger has not put me under any pressure. He said, 'Take all the time you need'."
Bremen's managing director Klaus-Dieter Fischer admits the Bundesliga club were keen for Bischoff, who has struggled with injuries in the past, to stay.
Fischer told the club's official website: "We would be happy to have Amaury, but he has decided to take up a new challenge.
"We wish him well and thank him for the past three years."
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Comment 1 - 3 of 3
Bring in Marcos Senna. If Amoury Bischoff is good let him sign. But I still emphasise Wenger sign Marcos Senna. He is unarguably good. He showed it at Euro 08 and Wenger saw him. He can challenge on every front. Please add him to Arsenal.
latin gunner, marcos senna no but toure yeah great signing
id still like to see nasri sign, everyones linked to arsenal at the moment its confusing who is actually coming or who hasnt
Another JEremie Aliadiere, great potential, but too many injuries to bear fruit to promises. A waste of energy. Should be focussed on keeping Adebayor and landing Yaya Touré or Marcos Senna ASAP.
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