Arsenal are ready to close a deal for Olympique Lyon winger Hatem Ben Arfa.

The youngster admitted only last week: "It is true that we have spoken about Arsenal, but we will see how it is going to happen."

The Independent says Arsenal know that Lyons are a notoriously difficult club to negotiate with and that Ben Arfa's public declaration may be a bargaining tool for his own ends, but an offer of more than £11m is likely to succeed. It would also be a statement of intent from the club who have been angered by suggestions that they are strapped for cash in the transfer market.