Despite competition from Real Madrid and Inter Milan, Hleb is set to join Barcelona in a £12million deal, says the Sunday Mirror.

The future of Arsenal's Belarus midfield player has been the subject of intense speculation since his agent was reported to have met representatives of Inter Milan during a Champions League clash in Italy.

Manager Arsene Wenger has insisted for the last two months that there had been no offers from Inter or any other club for the 27-year-old, that Hleb was under contract and that he was staying at Arsenal.

But Hleb clearly wants to leave - and now Arsenal have accepted it.

New Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has already persuaded Thierry Henry that he figures in his plans and fought off interest from Manchester United.

Now he wants to bolster his squad by signing Hleb.

Real Madrid were also said to be keen, but Barca appear to have won the race.