Edu set for Real as Arsenal talks stall

The Arsenal midfielder Edu is set to move to Real Madrid if the London club do not improve their offer of a new contract before the end of the year. The 26-year-old, whose contract at Arsenal expires next summer, has been targeted by Real to strengthen their squad when the winter transfer window opens in January.

The Arsenal midfielder Edu is set to move to Real Madrid if the London club do not improve their offer of a new contract before the end of the year. The 26-year-old, whose contract at Arsenal expires next summer, has been targeted by Real to strengthen their squad when the winter transfer window opens in January.

The Brazilian international has been linked with possible moves to both Barcelona and Valencia in recent months, but despite entering the race late Real now appear to be the player's preferred option.

"There are a lot of rumours around at the moment about whether I am going to Barcelona, Valencia or Real Madrid," the Arsenal player told Spanish sports daily Marca. "Of course I like the Spanish league and Spain itself is very similar to Brazil. I don't see why I couldn't play in Spain for Real Madrid, but I can't say anything until 31 December."

Edu has admitted that he been offered a new deal from Arsenal, but his brother, Amadeo Fensao, who is also one of his representatives, has said that they remained unconvinced and will look elsewhere if they cannot reach an agreement by the end of the year. "Arsenal have made an offer, but we want a lot more," he said. "We are going to keep negotiating until 31 December, but if we don't come to terms by then, then we will look at other options."

Real's coaching staff believe that the primary cause of their poor form in the last 18 months is due to the fact that they do not have anyone capable of holding together their attack-minded midfield. David Beckham was given the central midfield berth after the departure of Claude Makelele to Chelsea at the start of last season, but the England captain is thought to need a more experienced specialist to play alongside him.

River Plate's Argentinian international Javier Mascherano and Marseilles' Benoit Pedretti have also been linked with Real, but the club's technical staff and the sporting director, Emilio Butragueño, favour the more experienced Edu.

At the same time Real have said that claims made by The Sun that they were negotiating with Edu's Arsenal team-mate Lauren were untrue.

Real's neighbours Atletico are hoping to conclude negotiations to sign the Danish winger Jesper Gronkjaer from Birmingham City this week. The 27-year-old former Chelsea player, who has had a frustrating time since his summer move to St Andrews, has been given approval to join Atletico by his manager, Steve Bruce, but the two clubs are still haggling over a fee. Bruce does not, however, want to sell his midfielder Robbie Savage. "I see every week someone being linked with wanting to buy Robbie Savage but I'm not looking to sell," Bruce said.