The newly promoted Premier League side have long targeted the midfielder since their promotion to the top flight and Nigel Pearson would appear to have landed his man.
"We've had our fingers burnt in the past with doing deals late in the window,” Pearson said.
“I recognise we need one or two extra players but I'm certainly not going to be held to ransom. My advice to the football club is if we can't get the people we want, I don't want to pad it out with players who are not the right fit or not good enough.
"There are more hoops to jump through this year but I'm not involved at that level. I'm very happy with the players here - the numbers are the issue.
“We have an interest in a midfield player and if we can add another defender and a forward, I'd be happy."
McArthur has been a terrific servant to Wigan Athletic and supporters will be sorry to see him leave but will wish him every success.