Arsenal are seeing off competition from a host of clubs to land Matteo Guendouzi from Lorient, with the teenage midfielder having been convinced to make the move by Unai Emery.
Guendouzi is set to undergo a medical with Arsenal today as he closes on a transfer to the north London side.
Arsenal are paying Lorient a fee of €8m, with the French side also being entitled to a percentage of any future sale.
According to French sports daily L'Equipe, Guendouzi also attracted attention from Borussia Dortmund, Roma, Saint-Etienne and Paris Saint-Germain.
He was recommended to Emery by Gunners scout Sven Mislintat and the Spanish tactician managed to sell a move to the Emirates Stadium to the youngster.
Guendouzi is to put pen to paper to a four-year contract with Arsenal, with an option for a further year.
The young midfielder made 21 appearances across all competitions from Lorient last term, providing a single assist.
Guendouzi has been capped by France at Under-19 level.