Arsenal have begun talks with Borussia Dortmund over the sale of Ilkay Gundogan for £16m.
Gundogan, 24, is currently in negotiations with the Bundesliga club over a new contract, but is reportedly keen on a move to England.
It is thought that Dortmund are preparing one final offer for the German midfielder, and if this is turned down, Arsenal are monitoring the situation.
The Gunners have been keepiing tabs on Gundogan for some time.
He signed for Dortmund in 2011 from fellow German outfit Nurnberg.
Gundogan scored for Dortmund in the 2013 Champions Legaue final against Bayern Munich, in a losing 2-1 effort.
He is deployed as a playmaker, and has dynamic passing and technical skills, which Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hopes to bring to the Emirates Stadium.
Steve Osborne @Pack3rNa7ion
