Barcelona are reportedly expected to announce the signing of Alexander Hleb in the coming days.
Hleb's future at Emirates Stadium has been uncertain since the end of last season and he has also been linked with a move to Italian champions Inter Milan.
Barcelona have held a long-standing interest in the Belarussian and he is understood to be travelling to Spain to undergo a medical after the two clubs reportedly agreed a fee, according to Skysports.com.
The 27-year-old would become Barca's fifth new signing of the summer and their second midfield acquisition after the arrival of Seydou Keita from Sevilla last month.
Earlier this week, the former Stuttgart schemer admitted it would not be easy to leave Arsenal following talks with Gunners manager Arsene Wenger.
"I am very grateful to Arsene Wenger," Hleb told www.tut.by. "He is the best coach of my career. And not just a coach. He is a very good man and intuitive psychologist. I very much appreciate his support,.
"I talked to him twice before the end of the season (about my future). It is also not that easy for me to leave this club, because it has become my home. I think he (Wenger) is upset, though it is better to ask him, maybe he is glad.
"In life, everything changes. I believe that there are 10 top clubs in world football, and when a couple of clubs are interested in you and offer better terms, I believe that others would have done exactly the same.
"But Arsenal is dear to me, I am grateful to Wenger for everything he has done for me.
"As an Arsenal player, I can say that there is no better club in the English Premiership."
Hleb joined Arsenal in an £11.2million deal in 2005 and he has scored 10 goals in 130 appearances for the club.
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Comment 1 - 7 of 7
totally agreed with F*USA, there is still many option besides Hleb, why not go Dutch again like the old days, van der vaat is still much better than this guy. and huntelaar is a grat addition for upfront power. much better if Barca keep Ronaldinho n find good backup for left flank not omit the twice footballer of the year at all..
And too many poeple judge him by his scoring record. But I would like to say that he is a Midfielder, not striker.
He is a very good player, maybe a world class one. I am not surprised when Barca or Inter showing interest to sign him.
Although I am sad to see him go, I wish him all the best.
kiarash_athari,
becasue Hleb and Iniesta are difference types. Hleb is more offensive, Iniesta is more balance between attack and defence.
Hleb didn't play his best position at Arsenal. He often play at right or left, but his best position is at the central. If he plays at central, Helb maybe better then Iniesta.
let him go, put Theo Walcott in there, he's going to score more than 10 goals in his next 130 appearances.
why are barca signing him, the already have keita and iniesta at the midfield. iniesta is better then him.
I don't know what Barca sees in this guy ?! He is just another glorofied diver !!
10 goals in 130 appearances. I am sad to see him go but it will be better for the gunners.
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