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Hleb completes his dream move from Arsenal to Barcelona
Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb is completing his move to Barcelona, the Catalan club have confirmed.
The 27-year-old Belarus international arrived in the city at lunchtime before undergoing a medical in the afternoon.
Barca confirmed Hleb will be presented officially as early as tomorrow and reports in Spain suggest they will pay the Gunners £11.9million.'The player Alexander Hleb, who has spent the past three seasons at Arsenal, arrives today in Barcelona to undergo a medical prior to his incorporation in FC Barcelona,' read a statement on the club website.
'From 1pm, the player will be in the offices of the club to take part in the usual photocall.
'Then, at 4pm, the footballer will have a medical in the Hospital de Barcelona and, from 7pm, will continue these tests in the Medical Centre of FC Barcelona.
'On the assumption that he passes these tests satisfactorily, Alexander Hleb could sign a contract tomorrow and be presented as a new player at FC Barcelona.'If all goes to plan, Hleb will become Barca's fifth summer signing following the arrivals of Seydou Keita, Gerard Pique, Martin Caceres and Daniel Alves.
Hleb's departure from the Emirates Stadium has seemed likely all summer after the player admitted he was "mentally tired" of the combination of living in London and playing top-level football.
Inter Milan were also linked but their interest appeared to cool after the appointment of Jose Mourinho as manager.
Hleb cost £11.2million when he joined Arsenal from Stuttgart in 2005.
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Alexander Hleb gives onlookers the thumbs-up as he poses in his new Barcelona shirt.
Arsène Wenger last night dismissed any notion that Alexander Hleb would be greatly missed at the Emirates, saying the club were "comfortable" with the Belarus midfielder's €15m (£11.9m) move to Barcelona which was completed yesterday.
The manager's sentiment was perhaps unsurprising, although he did acknowledge the 27-year-old's "contribution towards Arsenal during his time with us". "Everyone at Arsenal wishes Alex the best of luck for the future."
Hleb becomes Barcelona's fifth summer signing as the Catalan club prepare for La Liga under their new coach, Pep Guardiola. "It's a dream, I love this team," said Hleb. "I spoke with Guardiola and it's very important that he wants me, and I'll give my best to this team to win everything with Barcelona."
Hleb wanted to leave Arsenal despite having two years left on his contract and he could yet be joined at Camp Nou by his former team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor. Another club-mate from his three years in north London, Gilberto Silva, is today expected to finalise his move from Arsenal to Panathinaikos.
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