Arsenal are expected to re-sign their former captain Sol Campbell, who could feature for the reserves at West Ham on Tuesday night.
The 35-year-old, who left Highbury for Portsmouth in the summer of 2006, has been training at the Gunners' Hertfordshire base since leaving Notts County, and is understood to have agreed a short-term deal until the end of the season.
Campbell - capped 73 times by England, playing at two World Cups - was keen to resume his career as quickly as possible after settling his contract dispute with County.
It is understood offers were also on the table from Hull and Newcastle, but Arsenal was always Campbell's first choice, having achieved great success following a highly-controversial move from Tottenham during 2001.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger holds Campbell - part of his 2003/2004 'Invincibles' side and who captained Pompey to FA Cup success two seasons ago - in the highest regard.
Speaking last week, Wenger said: "He has a fantastic attitude and good fitness.
"Of course he is not the youngest, but he is in a very good shape. He can still play in the Premier League, I've said that many times.
"He is important in the dressing-room as well. He's positive with the young players. Every year we have one or two like that and I think a Premier League club will sign him."
Campbell spent five years at Arsenal, and won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and scored in the 2006 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.
Wenger's decision to bring back the veteran defender - who like Mikael Silvestre, 32, will provide cover for Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas - will cast further doubt over the future of Philippe Senderos.
Source: PA
