Stepanovs on way to Arsenal

Arsenal are to sign Latvian international defender Igors Stepanovs.

The centre back is in London for medical tests after agreeing contract terms with the London club. He played for Latvia on Saturday in a 2002 World Cup qualifying defeat against Scotland and his club - FC Skonto - have agreed to sell the 24 year old for £1 million.

Arsenal have been tracking Stepanovs for the past two months and the move to actually sign the defender comes as veteran captain Tony Adams is again sidelined with injury.

Adams hurt his ankle in England's 1-1 draw against France at the weekend and could miss the next four weeks of the season.

Stepanovs could be signed in time to be included in the Arsenal squad to play at Chelsea on Wednesday night. Arsenal currently lead the Premiership.