Arsenal are ready to bid for Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini.The Times says Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is preparing an offer for the Belgium international.

Arsenal have moved ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United in the battle to sign Fellaini from Everton and the Belgium midfielder is giving serious consideration to moving to the Emirates Stadium. Bill Kenwright, the Everton chairman, confirmed on Wednesday of a buyout clause in Fellaini's contract, enabling him to leave Goodison Park if the club receive an offer of a stipulated sum from a Champions League club, and Arsenal plan to exercise that £24 million option.

"Fellaini insisted on that [clause]," Kenwright said yesterday.