Arsenal are not expected to complete the signing of Eberechi Eze in time for him to make his debut against Leeds on Saturday - but hope to wrap up the move over the weekend.
The Gunners are closing in on a deal for Eze after agreeing a fee with Crystal Palace worth £60million upfront, plus £7.5m in add-ons.
Eze has agreed personal terms with Arsenal and Standard Sport understands he is due to undergo his medical on Friday morning.
Arsenal needed to complete the signing of the England attacking midfielder by midday on Friday if he was to play in Saturday’s game with Leeds at Emirates Stadium.
That is not expected to happen, with the expectation instead that Eze will finalise his move to Arsenal over the weekend.
The Gunners have been tracking Eze all summer after expressing an interest in him earlier in the transfer window.
The club accelerated a move for him on Wednesday night, however, after Kai Havertz picked up a knee injury.
Arsenal are still assessing Havertz to learn the extent of his knee issue and whether he needs to undergo surgery or not.
Mikel Arteta is due to hold a press conference on Friday afternoon, where he can give an update on Havertz’s progress.
The signing of Eze will be viewed as a coup by Arsenal and they have beaten rivals Tottenham to the player’s signature.
Arsenal’s summer spending will reach the £250m mark with the arrival of Eze and the club will focus on getting players out the door next week.
