Arsenal agree Hleb transfer

Wenger delight
"We are delighted that Aliaksandr Hleb has agreed to join us," Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger told the English club's website on Monday. "He is a player I have admired for some time now and I know he will provide our squad with great quality."

Substantial fee
Arsenal have agreed a fee which could rise to €15m with Stuttgart, who admitted on Monday that the Gunners' offer was too good to refuse. "We are happy that the speculation is finally over," Stuttgart sporting director Herbert Briem said.

'New perspectives'
"Alex desperately wanted to join Arsenal but we had a price and wouldn't agree until that price was met. That has happened now. We would obviously have liked to keep him but then again the transfer has opened new perspectives."

Arsenal chance
Hleb is expected to link up with the Premiership side for pre-season training in early July. The 24-year-old started his career at FC BATE Borisov where he broke into the first team in 1999, then signed for Stuttgart the following year.

Belarus international
He made 137 appearances for the German club over five seasons, and played all eight of his side's UEFA Champions League matches in 2003/04. The versatile midfield player made his international debut in October 2001 and has claimed 17 Belarus caps, scoring three goals. Details of his contract with Arsenal have not been revealed.