Arsenal ready Marouane Fellaini offer

Arsenal are set to make a massive offer for Belgium international midfielder Marouane Fellaini. The Gunners are hopeful that a deal can be agreed for the Everton midfielder before the January transfer window slams shut. Everton today will complete a move for his replacement, Leroy Fer.

There have been whispers that the Gunners have been locked in negotiations with Everton regarding a move for Fellaini for over two weeks, giving the Toffees time to find a replacement. Yesterday, Everton revealed they had agreed a fee with FC Twente for Leroy Fer's signature, and agreed a £8.6 million fee. Fer is currently on his way to Merseyside to discuss personal terms.


According to various other reports, Fellaini is eager to move to a bigger club and sees Arsenal as the best next destination for his career as he is also guaranteed regular first team football. Gunners' captain Thomas Vermaelen is also close friends with Fellaini, and has been busy persuading Marouane that a move to the Emirates would be the best next step for his career.


There remains some uncertainty over the fee that will be paid by Arsenal for his signature. Several sources suggest that Fellaini has a release clause of £22 million in his contract; whilst Arsene Wenger is known to favour a smaller upfront payment and then a larger chunk on performance related bonuses. A figure of £15 million upfront and £8 million over two years depending on Champions League qualification and individual performances is something that Arsenal are believed to have offered.


The Gunners famously signed Mikel Arteta on transfer deadline day 18 months ago; a deal that only came to light on that day. The two clubs kept that deal under wraps until the very last minute and Arsenal are also keen for the same this time around, as Manchester City are also known to be long term fans of the Belgian midfielder.