Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Nacho Monreal from Malaga.
The left-back is in London putting the final touches on his move which will mark Arsene Wenger's first signing of the transfer window, and will set the Gunners back £8.5million.
The transfer was forced through following the thigh injury sustained by Kieran Gibbs in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Wednesday night
Monreal, 26, is a former Malaga team-mate of Arsenal star Santi Cazorla and has been capped by Spain on nine occasions.
He could be thrust into Arsenal's starting XI for the visit of Stoke on Saturday with Wenger having little faith in the error-prone Andre Santos.
Earlier, Arsenal were dealt a blow with the news that top target David Villa won't be joining the north London club this month.
Wenger had made the 31-year-old striker his top priority, but he was seen shopping in Barcelona this afternoon.
It was reported earlier that Arsenal were keen to sign Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Amorebieta, but the defender has told the Gunners he wants to stay in La Liga until at least the summer.
Monreal, who is cup-tied for the Champions League, arrives at Arsenal in good form after scoring his first goal for Malaga in their 3-2 win over Real Mallorca on Sunday.
The Spain defender signed for Malaga in a £6million deal in the summer of 2011 after coming through the ranks at Osasuna where he made over 100 appearances.
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