Real Madrid plan to open the bidding for Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie. The Daily Mail says Real Madrid will make an offer for Van Persie in the summer as they join the £30million race for the Arsenal striker.

Manchester City and Barcelona are also keen on the Dutchman, 28, who has 16 months left on his Arsenal contract and is yet to commit to another deal.

Madrid will also look to put Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain in as part of the deal. Higuain, 24, is a target for Chelsea but has been long admired by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.