Barcelona had been challenging the Gunners to the signing but it seems the La Liga Giants have turned their attentions elsewhere.
It is thought that Arsenal are willing to pay the release clause ‘with pleasure.’
At the same time, Barcelona manager Luis Enrique is in a fight with the board to free up funds which would allow the club to sign the striker.
They have offered Enrique cheaper alternatives due to being ‘right’ with the purse strings.
Both Robin Van Persie and Dirk Kuyt have been offered to the manager as different options.