Hleb set to complete Arsenal move

Midfielder Aleksander Hleb is set to undergo a medical later this week as he looks to complete his projected move to Arsenal in a deal worth up to £10m (€15m).

The 24-year-old Belarus international has agreed terms with Arsenal on a long-term contract, while the Gunners have fixed a fee, which will rise on appearances, with German club Stuttgart.

Hleb must now pass a medical, which is expected to take place in the next few days, before he joins pre-season training next week with his new team-mates.

However, he must also gain a work permit before the move can be finalised, with Arsenal hopeful that 18 caps for Belarus in the past three years should fulfil the international criteria.

If all goes to plan, Arsene Wenger would then have signed his first of two projected “world-class” signings of the summer, with Arsenal also understood to be interested in Brazilian striker Robinho.

Wenger declared: “We are delighted that Aleksander Hleb has agreed to join us. He is a player that I have admired for some time now and I know he will provide our squad with great quality.”