Barcelona are expected to announce the signing of Arsenal
midfielder Alexander Hleb on a four-year contract on Monday.
Hleb's future at the Emirates Stadium has been uncertain since
the end of last season and he has also been linked with a move to
Italian champions Inter Milan.
Barcelona have held a long-standing interest in the
27-year-old Belarussian and he is understood to be travelling to
Spain to undergo a medical after the two clubs reportedly agreed a
£13.3 million fee. Barcelona will pay £11.9 million immediately,
with the rest of the money dependent on trophies won.
Earlier this week, Hleb told Arsenal manager Arsene
Wenger he was "mentally tired" of living in London and playing
high-level football at the same time.
In an interview in Russia, the Belarus international
said: "I can't get used to the chaotic way of life in London, where
everyone is racing around 24 hours a day. It is uncomfortable and
I'm mentally tired. I told Wenger that at our two recent
meetings.
"I was seeking his advice on whether I should leave the
team. I also made no secret of the fact that some leading European
clubs were interested in me."
Hleb said he was committed to leaving and he hoped to
move to Barcelona. "Serious negotiations are under way now. I have
made up my mind."
Hleb joined Arsenal from VfB Stuttgart for £11.2
million in 2005. He scored only 10 goals in his three seasons at
Arsenal.