Arsenal are on the verge of signing Amaury Bischoff

Amaury Bischoff says he is set to join Arsenal after turning down a new contract at Werder Bremen.

The French-born midfielder has had his career tracked by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger since he was a youngster with Strasbourg.

He moved to Bremen in 2005, but has made just one senior appearance for the club against Celta Vigo in the Uefa Cup in 2007.

The 21-year-old was offered a new deal to stay in the Bundesliga, but claims he was unable to turn down the chance to move to Arsenal.

"Bremen was superb, but Arsenal is a huge opportunity for me," Bischoff told Bild.

"Wenger has known me since my time at Strasbourg and believes in my quality. He trusts me to be in the first team.

"Wenger has not put me under any pressure. He said, 'Take all the time you need'."

Bremen's managing director Klaus-Dieter Fischer admits the Bundesliga club were keen for Bischoff, who has struggled with injuries in the past, to stay.

Fischer told the club's official website: "We would be happy to have Amaury, but he has decided to take up a new challenge.

"We wish him well and thank him for the past three years."