Hleb gets down to work early with Gunners

ARSENAL’S proposed new signing, Alexander Hleb, was fully involved as the Gunners reported back for the first day of pre-season training yesterday.

Belarus international Hleb, who has agreed personal terms on a move to Highbury that could cost the club up to £10million, is still awaiting news on his application for a work permit.

However, the 24-year-old midfielder wasted no time in getting fully involved in Arsenal’s early pre-season preparations at the club’s London training ground. Most first-team players have been allowed extra time in which to recuperate, including Gilberto Silva, Jens Lehmann, Patrick Vieira, Philippe Senderos and Kolo Toure, who were all involved in internationals after the end of last season.