Arsenal have reportedly registered their interest in Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini, with a deal looking extremely likely, following the signing of Leroy Fer made by the Toffees.
Fellaini has been interesting the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea for quite a while now, with the Blues thought to be the frontrunners for the big Belgian's signature.
While Chelsea could still come in and look to scupper Arsenal's plans, it is the North London club that have made the first move by offering to trigger Fellaini's buyout clause of £22 million ($34.5 million), a fee which would break the club's transfer record quite comfortably.
However, Arsenal are in a much more secure situation now financially, with the club no longer hamstrung by the restrictions which followed their move to the Emirates.
The transfer fee should not pose a problem, and if the Twitter world is to be believed, the Gunners have already agreed a deal with Everton.
The rumors started swirling following Everton's announcement that they had come to an agreement with FC Twente over the transfer of Fer, an imposing and physical midfielder, similar to Fellaini.
There are also suggestions that Arsenal could send the likes of Andrey Arshavin or Tomas Rosicky the other way as part of the deal.
Arsenal have been on the lookout for the marquee signing in January that will change the team's fortunes, and Fellaini would be inch perfect in that regard.
The Belgian international has tremendous experience in the English Premier League, so will not take any time to adapt to the rigors of the English game.
Fellaini will also add that physical presence in Arsenal's lineup which has been sorely lacking this season, and the fact that he is not cup-tied in Europe will mean he can play a part in Arsenal's Champions League campaign.
Whether Arsene Wenger decides to use Fellaini as a defensive midfielder or further up front, he is sure to make an immediate impact.
Wenger has been keeping his transfer targets pretty close to his chest, like he always does of course, but if he can pull this one out of the bag, it not only will appease the growingly restless Gooners, it will also be the catalyst to Arsenal's season turning into a successful one.
