Eberechi Eze is expected to join Arsenal for £60m after the Gunners reached an agreement in principle to sign the forward from Crystal Palace.
Sources have told BBC Sport that Eze favours a move to Arsenal, with whom he started his youth career, despite north London rivals Tottenham having been in talks to sign him.
A deal for Spurs to sign Eze had been agreed between the clubs earlier on Wednesday after talks lasting 10 days, sources said, but it was not finalised.
Arsenal’s offer also includes £8m in add-ons.
The Gunners have concerns over a knee injury sustained by attacker Kai Havertz and Eze, 27, would offer Mikel Arteta a fresh option in advanced areas.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner said on Wednesday that Eze would start in Thursday’s Uefa Conference League play-off tie against Fredrikstad, along with Liverpool-linked Marc Guehi, as they remain “committed to the team”.
Sources have told BBC Sport that Eze wants to join Arsenal before the transfer window closes on 1 September.