Arsenal hope to confirm the £30million signing of Martin Odegaard within the next few days.
The Gunners are aiming to have the 22-year-old playmaker registered by midday on Friday, so that he is available for Sunday’s game against Chelsea.
Odegaard is understood to be fully vaccinated, meaning he would not have to quarantine.
Odegaard, who joined Real Madrid in 2015, made 20 loan appearances and scored two goals in all competitions for Mikel Arteta's side last season.
He had hoped to get a chance in the Spanish capital this term, but Carlo Ancelotti has made clear that he won't be a first-team regular, and that has seen Odegaard push for an Arsenal return.
The Norway international has made just eight league appearances for Spanish giants Real.
He has also been on loan at Heerenveen, Vitesse and Real Sociedad before the spell with Arsenal.
The deal is thought to be worth an initial £30m, which could rise to £34m and sees Arteta's patience pay off.
Odegaard will join Ben White, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares as the Spaniard's signings this summer.
Arsenal are still pushing for a deal for Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who wants a move to the Emirates.
The Blades want around £35million but Arsenal are believed to be making progress on a structured deal with around £25million including add-ons.
Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku is set to make his second Chelsea debut after returning to the Blues in a £97million switch.
Lukaku's arrival has partially led to the exit of fellow Belgian Michy Batshauyi.
He has joined Turkish club Besiktas on loan but has also signed a new one-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Batshuayi’s deal at Stamford Bridge was due to expire next year but now runs until the summer of 2023.
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