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."
