The France defender Sebastien Squillaci has agreed a three-year deal to join Arsenal from Spanish football club Sevilla.
The 30-year-old, who made his name with Lyon, will not face Blackburn Rovers this weekend as minor details of the transfer have to be finalised.
Arsenal have been thin at the back with Sol Campbell, William Gallas, Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre all leaving while the versatile Johan Djourou is injured.
