Arsenal have reportedly agreed a contract with long-time target Yannick Carrasco to take him to the Emirates.
However, he is still far from certain to become the club's first signing of the summer.
Carrasco, 25, was first linked with a loan move to Unai Emery's team in January, but his employers were unwilling to sanction a temporary deal.
Arsenal took Denis Suarez instead, much to the annoyance of Sven Mislintat who preferred the Belgian, but Suarez is now back at Barcelona after a disappointing stint in north London.
SportMediaSet claim that Carrasco has agreed terms with the Gunners over a move to the Emirates.
The claims come after, in an interview with Belgium's Nieuwsblad over the weekend, Carrasco stated that he was closing on a return to Europe and stated why he is so keen to return from the Far East: "Negotiations are going well.
"I am aware that I am an important player for the team but I hope the chairman understands and they let me leave.
"From a personal and family point of view, I would like to return to Europe and stay closer to my family. The adjustment for my family was also difficult over there.
“I have become a lot more mature and have learned a lot. Also on the field, where I had to take more responsibility. But my wish now is to return."
However, the big issue for Arsenal remains negotiating a reasonable fee with the CSL side.
Dalian, as in January, won't be letting their star man go cheap, while the Gunners budget this summer is not huge after failing to reach the Champions League.
Suggestions that the clubs have reached an agreement of £30million are premature, especially with the club also monitoring Bournemouth's Ryan Fraser - whose contract situation means he would be cheaper than his Belgian counterpart.
Carrasco moved to China from Atletico Madrid in 2018, and he has since made 25 appearances in the Chinese Super League, scoring seven goals.
The winger has also won 31 caps for Belgium, and played a key part in their run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018.
