Marco Verratti is reportedly on the brink of securing a transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Al Arabi.
During the closing five weeks of the summer window, Verratti was heavily linked with a move away from Parc des Princes, where he has plied his trade for more than a decade.
At one stage, it appeared that the 30-year-old had his sights set on remaining in Europe, despite well-documented interest from Saudi Arabia.
However, the closer that transfer deadline day got, and suitable offers did not arrive from other clubs in that continent, a switch to the Middle East became more realistic.
Verratti has not featured for a single minute during PSG's opening four Ligue 1 fixtures, effectively acknowledging that he did not feature in the plans of new head coach Luis Enrique.
© Reuters
Although a move to a club competing in the Saudi Pro League did not materialise, it now appears to be a formality that the Italy international will move to Qatar.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a verbal agreement has been reached with the relevant parties for Al Arabi to finalise the signing of Verratti.
Plans were quickly put in place for Verratti to make the trip to Doha in order to complete a deal, said to be for a €45m (£38.6m) fee.
Should all go to plan, Verratti will officially become an Al Arabi player within the next 48 hours, who finished in second place in the Qatar Stars League during 2022-23.
© Reuters
Verratti will be linking up with familiar faces in Rafinha, who was previously at PSG, and Abdou Diallo, whose association with the top-flight champions came to an end earlier this summer.
A total of 11 goals and 61 assists have been contributed by Verratti for PSG from 416 appearances in all competitions since his arrival in 2012.
In terms of silverware, Verratti has won a remarkable nine Ligue 1 titles, six Coupe de France crowns, six Coupe de la Ligue trophies and nine Trophee des Champions cups.
He will also leave having made the second-most appearances in PSG's history, only trailing record-holder Jean-Marc Pilorget by 20 outings.
Darren Plant
