Emirates Stadium side set to discuss personal terms having agreed fee for Goodison Park star.
Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Everton midfield powerhouse Marouane Fellaini after bidding £22m to trigger the Belgian’s release clause according to a report on Goal.com today.
This source states that having triggered the 25 year old’s release clause last week Arsene Wenger are now waiting for Fellaini to be allowed to discuss personal terms with the North London club.
Arsenal are thought to be the only side to have made a concrete offer for the former Standard Liege man and Wenger is confident of bringing in the attacking midfielder.
Indeed this source believes that Fellaini will be one of two £20m+ signings made by the Gunners this summer, which is clearly in marked contrast to Wenger’s usual transfer window approach, that usually revolves around looking for bargains or scouting for players who have the potential to become household names.
Arsenal may fear that their opening bid could lead to other interested parties taking an active interest, with Chelsea and Man United also said to be monitoring the Everton star.
Arsene Wenger may well be keen to add some strength to his midfield and Fellaini not only offers some bite to the proceedings he is also a very effective attacking weapon and last term was his most productive in that sense with the Toffees man netting a dozen goals in all competitions, finishing as Everton’s top scorer.
He could perhaps line-up alongside former team-mate Mikel Arteta in the centre of the park with Jack Wilshere in attendance or could be used in a more advanced role supporting Arsenal’s attack.
As Goal.com suggest, a successful move by the Emirates Stadium side to land Fellaini would be a big statement of intent from a side that needs to do just that after a prolonged lean spell.