Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta is reportedly set to fly out to Italy to seal a move to Fiorentina.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, the Spaniard could arrive in Florence within hours, where he will discuss personal terms with the Viola’s directors and his own representatives.
He is unlikely to command a large transfer fee due to the fact that he has only 12 months remaining on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium.
With doubts surrounding the future of Fiorentina midfielder Alberto Aquilani, formerly of Liverpool, Arteta could be handed a prominent place in the first-team as the Italian’s replacement.
The ex-Everton man, who has often skippered the Gunners in the absence of defender Thomas Vermaelen, has fallen down the pecking order under boss Arsene Wenger.
He is still viewed as important cover but is up against the likes of Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, Mathieu Flamini and the versatile Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for a starting berth.
The 32-year-old finds himself battling for a spot in the position where Wenger is arguably most blessed with gifted players, and he is seemingly tempted by the prospect of securing regular first-team football elsewhere.
Arteta has been an Arsenal player for three years, having left Everton in a £10million deal.