Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes has reportedly completed his Arsenal medical ahead of a summer move to the Emirates.
The Gunners are acting swiftly, given the intense interest in the 22-year-old Brazilian from rival European clubs.
Italian giants Napoli reportedly have still not given up hope of pulling off the signing, though Magalhaes has edged closer to Arsenal after undertaking medical formalities, according to the Times.
The youngster has made a huge name for himself within the past 18 months, after storming onto the scene in Ligue 1 with Lille.
Arsenal already have strong relations with the French club, after negotiating a deal for winger Pepe last summer.
Magalhaes has also been linked with both Paris Saint Germain and Manchester City, though looks set to arrive at the Emirates following assurances of playing time from manager Mikel Arteta.
PSG and Manchester City also joined the £22m race to sign the Brazilian defender
The Spaniard is looking to remodel his Arsenal team, following a successful debut season in which he won the FA Cup.
Magalhaes' arrival would likely spell the end for the likes of Callum Chambers of Rob Holding, as Arteta needs to sell players in order to continue generating funds.
Lille president Gerard Lopez confirmed to reporters in France he expects a deal for Magalhaes to be officially concluded by the weekend.
He said: 'We gave him plenty of time to make a decision.
'We gave him some advice but in the end he and his entourage will make a choice and we will support it.
The 22-year-old is expected to be handed a long-term five year deal at the Emirates.
