Tomas Rosicky, the Czech midfielder who plays for Borussia Dortmund has passed a medical according to two reliable sources and is in negotiations with Arsenal over a transfer.
Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, who have hit financial dificulties, have agreed a knock-down £6m-£8m fee, and personal terms could be agreed in the next few days.
Czech national manager, Karel Bruckner said: “I am surprised it [the fact he skipped training to go to London] did not come to light earlier. We have tried to keep our promise to keep quiet but I must now admit that Tomas is undergoing medical tests.”
Bruckner added that Arsenal would be an ideal choice for Rosicky.
One wire service reported he’d passed his medical and already in talks.
Dortmund commercial manager Hans-Joachim Watzke told Czech newspaper Mlada Fronta that Rosicky, 25, flew to London on Monday with his manager Pavel Paska and has passed his medical.
Talks between Atletico Madrid and Borussia foundered over transfer terms and how the money will be paid.
Rosicky is contracted until 2008 with Dortmund. He has been described, by Wenger as a “little Motzart.” [based on his ability to orchestrate play]. He has scored 15 goals in 53 appearances for his country including six in the World Cup qualifying rounds, and the winner against Norway in the play-offs when he wasn’t fully fit.
The 25-year-old playmaker cost Dortmund £18m when he joined from Sparta Prague in 2001 – a Bundesliga record. He won the title in his first season – but his form has dipped this season.
According to the Dortmund site his nickname is Dumpling [his favourite food]. He is fast and can dribble – note his goal in the 4-2 Arsenal win against Sparta in the Champions League where he beat four players. He can play on the wing, or centre and can also set up killer passes.
He was also contacted by Tottenham.