News

7/16/2008

The willowy Belarusian has been a long-term target of the Catalan giants and with Ronaldinho having completed his move to Milan, Hleb's transfer has moved a stepped closer.

The 27-year-old will arrive in Barcelona on Wednesday before completing his medical, with the club intending to tie up a deal within the next 24 hours.

Reports in Spain suggest that the fee will be 15 million euros (£11.9 million), rising to 18 million euros (£14.4 million) depending on results.

Hleb revealed last week that he was in talks with Barcelona and has also spoken of his dissatisfaction with the role he was asked to play for the Gunners last season.

Hleb, who is considered Belarus's greatest ever player, joined Arsenal from German side Stuttgart for £11.2 million in June 2005, and after a slow start he became a key component of the club's feted passing style.

Barca have embarked on a comprehensive re-building process this summer under new coach Pep Guardiola after a second consecutive trophyless season.

Portuguese playmaker Deco joined Chelsea earlier in the month, and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o has also been told that he is no longer a part of the club's plans for the future.

The 2006 Champions League winners have been an active presence in the European transfer market, with Seydou Keita and Daniel Alves both joining from Sevilla along with defenders Gerard Pique from Manchester United and Martin Caceres from Villarreal.

Site design by 742Designs.com

© 2007-2008 seriaAsoccer.com , All rights reserved.
The following are trademarks, logos, and service marks (collectively the "Trademarks") seen in this Site property of their respective owners. trademarks or service marks serieAsoccer.com entities and may be used only with permission of serieAsoccer.com, serieAsoccer.com is a division of CANETMEDIA CORP

Use of the Website signifies your agreement to the Terms and Conditions