Gilberto move sets up exodus

The Brazilian will become the second holding midfield player to leave Emirates Stadium following Mathieu Flamini's move to AC Milan.

Their departures will leave Arsene Wenger desperately short of cover in the centre of the pitch and may prompt the Arsenal boss to make a fresh enquiry about Gareth Barry.

The England international returned to pre-season training with Aston Villa for the first time today since he criticised manager Martin O'Neill in a newspaper article and was fined two weeks' wages.

Barry wanted to move to Liverpool but the two clubs could not agree on a fee, with Villa holding out for £18million.

O'Neill was also angry with Anfield boss Rafael Benitez for openly courting his captain and relations between the two have now soured beyond repair.

Wenger could capitalise on the situation and, armed with extra money from the sale of Gilberto, is expected to make an official approach having previously asked to be kept informed of developments in Barry's status.

Gilberto will undergo a medical in Athens and then put pen to paper on a contract that will see him earn around £6m over the next three years.

Despite being made vice-captain of Arsenal in 2006, Gilberto found himself on the fringes of the first team last season due to the presence of Cesc Fabregas and the emergence of Flamini.

And another Arsenal midfielder, Alexander Hleb, is on the verge of completing his move to Barcelona after arriving in the Catalan capital for a medical later today.

If the tests go well Barcelona could present the 27-year-old Belarus international to the local media tomorrow. Reports in Spain suggest the agreed fee is £11.9m.

Hleb's move away from the Emirates 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 with him but their interest appeared to cool after the appointment of Jose Mourinho as manager.

Hleb cost £11.2m when he joined the Gunners from Stuttgart in 2005.

A Barcelona official said: "Alexander Hleb will be in the offices of the club this afternoon to take part in the usual photocall. Then, at 4pm, he will have a medical in the Hospital de Barcelona and, from 7pm, continue these tests in the club's medical centre.

"On the assumption that he passes these tests satisfactorily, Hleb could sign a contract tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Manchester City boss Mark Hughes today insisted the club could have done no more to lure Ronaldinho from Barcelona.

The Brazilian is to join AC Milan, although City offered far more than the £19.8m being paid by the Italian club.

Hughes said: "I think we have shown a willingness to bring Ronaldinho here.

"In the end, though, it will be the player's decision where he goes."