Hleb closes on Gunners exit

Agent confirms schemer is to quit Arsenal

Last updated: 24th May 2008

Alexander Hleb ITV

Hleb: Looks to be on his way

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Alexander Hleb's agent has confirmed his client is edging ever nearer the Arsenal exit door.

The influential Belarus international looks set to tread on the path laid by Mathieu Flamini in electing to quit Emirates Stadium for Serie A, with Arsenal reluctantly agreeing to the sale as they are on the verge of tying up a deal for Marseille schemer Samir Nasri.

Internazionale, who incurred Arsene Wenger's wrath earlier in the year when he threatened to report them to Uefa for making an illegal approach, are expected to step-up their interest in the few days.

Hleb's representative, Nikolai Shpilevski, claims he has already engaged in discussions with another club.

Reluctant acceptance

"I can officially confirm that a short time ago Alexander decided that he will leave Arsenal and join another club," he told The Sun.

"Of course, Arsenal and Arsene wanted him to stay but they have accepted the player's choice."

There were suggestions the player would use Article 17 of Fifa's transfer regulations to buy out the remaining two years of his Arsenal contract.

But Shpilevski insisted Hleb will not rob the club of a lucrative transfer fee, adding: "We are not using article 17 of the FIFA rule.

"I can't tell you anything about where he will be playing yet.

"Talks are under way, and I don't have the right to make them public.

"I think that the issue of his new club will be clarified in the next few days."

Unsettled

Shpilevski went on to suggest Hleb's struggle to adapt to life in the capital was another key factor in his decision to quit England.

"Alex has spent three good seasons at Arsenal and he wasn't sure he could maintain the same level that he has been showing if he stayed," he concluded.

"It's also true that he felt uncomfortable off the field.

"Alexander wants a change of scene. That's had a large part to play in his decision."