Egypt international Ahmed Fathi is set to link up with Arsenal for pre-season training, Sky Sports can confirm.

The 29-year-old has won over 100 caps for his country, and Arsene Wenger is understood to have been a long-term admirer having first tried to sign him some nine years ago - but at that time, he did not qualify for a work permit.

Fathi, a defensive midfielder or right-back, is now free to leave Al Ahly, and Wenger has given Fathi the chance to link up with Arsenal with a view to sealing a move to the Emirates.

Fathi, who has previous experience in England with Sheffield United and Hull City, was the subject of a bid from Nottingham Forest earlier this year, but Al Ahly rejected the move.

Now Fathi has flown into England and will link up with Arsenal and in so doing rejecting some lucrative contract offers in the Middle East.

Craig Honeyman, managing director of SEM - who represent the player - confirmed Fathi had arrived in England.

"Ahmed is wanting to play in England, and he has turned down some very big offers to both stay in Egypt and also on the continent," he told Sky Sports.

"A number of clubs in the Premier League and Championship want to talk with him, but we have agreed he will train at Arsenal and will see what will come from that - he is very excited about the prospect."