Real Madrid plan to meet Arsenal's asking price for skipper Cesc Fabregas. The Sun says president Florentino Perez will bid £35million to hijack Barcelona's expected move for the Arsenal skipper.
Cash-strapped Barca are still expected to make another attempt to lure Fabregas to his hometown club.
But Perez is desperate to get one up on Madrid's hated rivals following defeat in the Champions League semis. Real have splashed £400million in the last two summers but have only this year's Copa Del Rey to show for it.
Barcelona have won La Liga for the previous two seasons and look set to retain their title this season, sitting pretty eight points clear of Madrid with four to play.
Boss Jose Mourinho is keen on the Arsenal skipper who is seen as the perfect complement to Xabi Alonso at the heart of Real's midfield.
Arsenal will reluctantly part with their skipper if a £35m bid comes in, though they will be hoping a bidding war hots up between the two Spanish giants.
