Arsenal are thought to be closing in on Lille striker Gervinho with a possible deal set to be announced as early as next week.
The French club claim talks are progressing over the player's future and while no agreement has been reached yet, they are expecting a development shortly.
Manchester City and Newcastle have also been linked with a move for Gervinho but the Gunners appear to be in pole position for his signature.
The Ivory Coast international is likely to cost Arsenal in the region of £10m as they look to add a cutting edge that was perhaps missing from their attack last season.
Lille general manager Frederic Paquet has already ruled out a switch to the French champions' rivals Paris St Germain and claims the Gunners are now in the box-seat to sign him.
"It should be next week," Paquet told mercato365.com.
"These are negotiations that start slowly. Is it on track? I do not know. Today I can not tell.
"Could the player still leave for PSG? Gervinho wants to go to England and, as a club, we prefer to sell Gervinho abroad."