Arsenal are reportedly in 'advanced talks' to sign Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid in a deal worth £40m.
High-level discussions have taken place between the clubs and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is hopeful of tying up a deal before Monday's transfer deadline, Goal.com reports.
The German playmaker is believed to have privately expressed an interest in joining Arsenal despite publicly declaring that he is happy to remain in Spain.
Wenger now faces a race against time to complete the club-record deal before the transfer window closes.
Ozil was left out of Real's 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao, but coach Carlo Ancelotti said after the game that his omission was purely tactical.