Last week some reports were saying that Rehmer wasn't going to be moving after all, with current club Hertha Berlin apparently optimistic that he'd be signing a new, improved, long-term contract with them.

However, there's been a flurry of activity in the German rumour pages since then. James writes from Germany...

"It looks as though the transfer of Hertha Berlin's star defender Marko Rehmer is drawing ever closer. Rehmer must produce a concrete bid from a club of at least £5.1million by midnight this Thursday to take advantage of a get-out clause in his contract."

"German papers are convinced that Arsenal and Juventus have been battling for his signature despite Arsene Wenger's typically diplomatic and neutral comments on the subject."

"However, German press reports today (Wednesday) suggest that Arsenal have won out in the three-way battle for Rehmer and that an announcement will be made on Thursday to confirm the fact. It is also being proposed that Arsenal are willing to offer around £5.8million to take Rehmer imemdiately although Hertha general manager, Dieter Hoeness has previously ruled this out."

"If Rehmer does arrive it will be interesting to see if he plays at centre-back or right-back where he is equally adept. Whatever, the capture of the lightning-quick Rehmer will be a major coup for Arsenal, particularly having beaten off the strong efforts of Juventus."

"One report offers the intriguing quote from Rehmer that he thinks he has shown Wenger can 'fight hard on the pitch as well as defend'. He sounds like a true gooner already !"

Hey, sounds like this guy could be the man to replace both Tony and Lee!

Fingers crossed, but chickens not being counted...