Arsenal are working to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna, The Athletic understands.
It is believed the proposed contract length is four years and the deal is worth £16 million plus bonuses.
The Japan international is currently undergoing his medical in Bologna.
Discussions are ongoing but a potential deal is dependent on other player movements at the club before the deadline on Tuesday evening.
Everton yesterday made an offer for Ainsley Maitland-Niles but Arsenal do not currently deem it acceptable. The Athletic reported earlier on Tuesday that Maitland-Niles is due to meet with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to request to be allowed to move.
Arsenal have reached an agreement with Real Betis for Hector Bellerin to leave on loan. His medical will take place in London this afternoon ahead of flying to Spain.
Tomiyasu is a versatile defender who can play both centre-back and right-back — the latter being a position Arsenal are looking to strengthen. Arsenal believe he can operate as a hybrid defender, playing on the right-hand side of a back four, but helping them build up play in a three.
Arsenal are not the only Premier League club to show interest in Tomiyasu. Tottenham made enquiries about the defender earlier in the window. Their pursuit of Emerson Royal, however, appears to have opened the door for Arsenal to move for Tomiyasu, with The Athletic reporting earlier on Tuesday an agreement had been reached between Spurs and Barcelona for the Brazilian.
The 22-year-old made 31 Serie A appearances last season but has featured in just one game this campaign.
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Why are Arsenal keen on signing him?
Arsenal need a right-back, and Tomiyasu fits the physical and technical profile they’ve been looking for.
Arteta is an admirer of the player, and is pushing internally for this deal to be closed.
Arsenal have provided him with substantial support in this window, and indications are they may be prepared to do so again here.
What about the other right-backs at Arsenal?
Bellerin's impending departure to Real Betis will help make space for the arrival of Tomiyasu.
Maitland-Niles has also expressed his interest to leave Arsenal.
(Photo: Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
