Arsenal are ready to launch a bid for Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker.
The Germany international has admitted he could be on the move in the summer and is a favourite of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
Armed with the new transfer cash provided by majority shareholder Stan Kroenke, Wenger will be able to buy Mertesacker during the close-season.
"England has been an issue for a few years now, but I cannot make a decision yet," he said only last month.
"Of course the Premier League is attractive, but right now there is only one issue for me and that is avoiding the drop."
Click here for the No1 coverage of all the gossip and transfer news around Arsenal.