Arsenal have made their first major move in the transfer market by reportedly triggering the buyout clause of Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini.
With Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis confirming Arsene Wenger has as much money to spend as he wants, the manager has made his intentions clear by offering the £24 million ($37 million) release clause to Everton.
Widespread reports suggest Arsenal are indeed now in pole position to land the 25-year-old, who has also been tipped to move to Manchester United to link up with former Everton manager David Moyes, who takes over at Old Trafford from next season.
However, with the need for a strong midfielder paramount, Wenger has identified Fellaini and wasted little time in making a move.
A report in Goal.com suggests the release clause for clubs in the Champions League is £2 million ($3.1 million) lesser than the £24 million ($37 million) release clause.
Either way, Fellaini will be a great addition to Arsenal's squad if indeed the reports turn out to be true.
The fact that the Belgian international has a wealth of experience in the Premier League will be seen as a major plus, while also providing that physical presence in midfield which Arsenal have sometimes lacked.
Sky Bet slashed the odds on the Everton midfielder joining Arsenal in the summer after a raft of bets on their site.
"Arsenal have been backed to sign various different players over the summer as Arsene Wenger looks to make use of a healthy transfer kitty," Sky Bet Football trader Chris Spicer said.
"But it was somewhat of a surprise to see such significant stakes on them to sign Fellaini.
"The towering midfielder does not seem to fit in with their footballing ethos but our punters certainly seem convinced a deal could happen."
While heavy betting is far from a definitive sign of an impending move, it does point to the fact that there might be some truth to the reports.
If Wenger can wrap up a deal quickly, then it will be seen as a major coup and a huge morale-booster for the fans, who have been craving for some big-money moves for years now.
