PIRES SIGNS FOR ARSENAL - REPORT
The Frenchman had been expected to make the switch in the coming weeks but it appears that Arsenal have pushed the deal through in order to prevent the move being scuppered by other clubs.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been searching to strengthen his squad in preparation for an assault on the Premiership title next season and another Champions League campaign.
The deal could also reinforce rumours that fellow left-winger Marc Overmars is set to leave Highbury, with a possible switch to Barcelona already heavily linked, although Louis van Gaal quitting the Camp Nou may put that in doubt.
However, Pires indicated that Overmars could stay, but would face a battle for his place when he said on Thursday: "Even if Overmars stays I will be joining the London club who have qualified for the Champions League.
"When you start playing in the Champions League you want to play in it every year because this is the best way to stay at the top."
He also said that he will relish playing for Arsene Wenger: "Having a coach like Wenger ensures a player will improve. It's obvious that Emmanuel Petit, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry are now outstanding players thanks to him.
