Arsenal completed the signing of South Korea captain Park Chu-young from Monaco on Monday and Germany defender Per Mertesacker looked set to follow him as the club strengthens after a dismal start to the Premier League season.
The 26-year-old striker is moving to London after three seasons in France where he scored 25 goals in 91 appearances.
''He will add true quality to our attacking forces and will be a valuable addition to the squad,'' Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.
Arsenal said the deal is subject to the completion of the registration processes and he will have J. Y. Park on the back of his No. 9 shirt as he prefers to be known as ''Ju.''
''It is a dream to be here and I am really proud to be an Arsenal player. Now I just want to show how good I am and prove myself,'' he said. ''In my opinion this is a great club, now I have to show what I can do on the pitch. I will do my best, I will never give up, I will show heart, I will give everything and I hope (the fans) will support me.''
Mertesacker was expected to undergo a medical at Arsenal on Tuesday after Germany coach Joachim Loew gave the Werder Bremen defender permission to leave the national team camp to travel to London.
''Yesterday late in the evening, (Per Mertesacker) came to me and told me that there was an offer (from Arsenal,'' Loew said. ''I told him this morning I'd let him go for a day. I expect him back this evening.''
Wenger's side has collected just one point from its first three league matches and was routed 8-2 by Manchester United on Sunday.
