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 after talks lasting 10 days, sources said, but it was not finalised.
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.
Eze had a goal ruled out when Palace began their Premier League campaign with a draw at Chelsea on Sunday.
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The England international has an expired release clause in his contract which was worth an initial £60m, plus a further £8m in add-ons.
Eze netted the winning goal as Palace beat Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final last season.
Also, he helped Palace win the Community Shield thanks to a penalty shootout win against Premier League champions Liverpool.