Gilberto set to complete Greek move

Gilberto Silva is set to become the highest-paid player in Greek football by signing for Panathinaikos after six years with Arsenal.

The Brazilian is set to arrive in Athens to undergo a medical and put pen to paper on a contract agreed by his representatives last week, according to Greek radio station Sport FM.

He is then expected to be presented to the media on Thursday.

A late attempt by Everton to hijack the move reportedly failed when the player chose the club now coached by former Chelsea assistant coach Henk ten Cate over David Moyes' men due to their participation in the Champions League.

PAO president Nikos Pateras met with Gilberto's representatives last week and is believed to have thrashed out a deal after making an offer of around £1million to Arsenal on Friday.

Barring any last-minute changes, the World Cup winner will sign a deal that will see him earn around £6million over the next three years, making him by far the best-paid player in the country.

Despite being made vice captain of Arsenal in 2006, Gilberto found himself on the fringes of the first team last season due to the presence of Cesc Fabregas and the emergence of Matthieu Flamini, who has since left the club but has been replaced by France midfielder Samir Nasri.

However, in the 29 appearances he did make last season, Gilberto showed that he still has plenty to offer.