McArthur is a former teammate of James McCarthy and is said to be keen on a move to the Latics as he looks to test himself in the Premiership.
The energetic midfielder is likely to complete his switch in the coming days as Roberto Martinez continues to bolster his squad following the arrival of star signing Mauro Boselli from Estudiantes.
"After protracted negotiations we have agreed to transfer James McArthur to Wigan Athletic F.C. subject to the player passing a medical at Wigan on Thursday," chairman Ronnie MacDonald told the club's official website. "The transfer of James comes exactly one year after James McCarthy moved to Wigan and I am confident that "Auld" James will be just as successful in England. "Our sadness at his departure is outweighed by our feeling of pride in his success and the way he acquitted himself in the Accies shirt."
