The Gunners will now try to wrap up the transfer of the in-demand forward with further talks in the next 48 hours aimed at convincing the player to choose a move to Emirates Stadium ahead of his other suitors.
Sources have told Goal that the financial package offered to Alexis has been agreed in principle by the player and his representatives.
Arsenal will attempt to clinch the signing by obtaining an official agreement from the Chile World Cup star, with the possibility growing that a deal could be finalised in the coming week.
The indications from the player’s camp during negotiations are that he wants to move to Arsenal ahead of Manchester United, Liverpool and Juventus, who have all tabled offers to the Chilean.
The timing of the deal could depend upon Barcelona’s pursuit of Luis Suarez, with the Catalan club unlikely to formally sanction for the 25-year-old departure until they have finalised the signing of the Liverpool forward, who is set to cost just over €88m.
Barcelona have accepted the offer, which matches their valuation, and agreed the structure of payments proposed by Arsenal.
Wenger has been busy attempting to convince Alexis, whose World Cup ended a week ago when Chile were eliminated on penalties by Brazil, that he should choose Arsenal ahead of the rival clubs competing for his signature.
Written by Steve Milne
