It seems that this deal is almost done and Arsene looks set to say goodbye to one of his star performers.
Skysports.com understands Barcelona are expected to announce the signing of Arsenal midfielder 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.
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. (Skysports)
Now that Hleb appears set to leave, will Adebayor be similarly exit-bound? Arsenal are at something of a crossroads it seems, with Wenger looking to generate funds for new acquisitions and being unable or unwilling to entertain the crazy wages that some of his stars seem to be courting. Arsene is doing the right thing in my book. By being level-headed and not pandering to the obscene demands of some of his squad, he is assuring a strong future for a club with strong foundations. He is not going to stand in the way of players who wish to leave and nor should he, the club will always be bigger than those employed by it and this philosophy will surely push the north London side back towards the summit of the Premier League. Do Arsenal fans think that Wenger should try to persuade Hleb to stay?