Arsenal in shock move for Gareth Bale

Arsenal have made a surprise move for former Tottenham Hotspur attacker Gareth Bale, according to a report in the Spanish press Friday.

The Welshman departed White Hart Lane for Real Madrid in 2013 for what was then a world-record transfer fee, but is now thought to be surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu and could be allowed to depart in the near future.

Manchester United have long been linked with Bale and are said to be leading the race for his signature, but a report in Don Balon today suggests that the Gunners have made a move and that Bale is “considering it”.

The 28-year-old is said to be “concerned about the rift caused by joining his former side’s great rivals but is also keen to return to London” after growing unhappy with life in the Spanish capital.

Spurs are believed to have a clause in their contract for the sale of Bale that will allow them to match any offer for the player from a Premier League rival.

Bale has made over 105 appearances for Madrid since joining the side in 2013 with 56 goals to his credit. At the National level Bale who played for Wales U-17, 19 and 21 before moving on to the senior national team in 2006, has been a regular with 68 caps and 26 goals. The thinking at the Emirates is that his addition will add to the strike force up front and ultimately improve Gunners performance.

Arsenal secured top spot in Europa League Group H on Thursday despite slumping to a 1-0 defeat at Cologne.

Wenger made 11 changes to the team that beat Tottenham Hotspur in last weekend’s north London derby, with starts handed to Olivier Giroud, Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck.

But the Gunners succumbed to a 62nd-minute penalty from Sehrou Guirassy after the French striker tumbled to ground inside the area under a challenge from Mathieu Debuchy.