Real Madrid have reportedly joined the
race to prise Alexander Helb away from Arsenal after making
tentative contact with the player's represenatives.
The Spanish giants are set to compete with Internazionale and
Barcelona, who have already expressed their interest following
Hleb's reported willingness to quit Emirates Stadium.
Hleb is thought to be prepared to break his contract with
Arsenal and buy out his current deal in order to enjoy one last
major pay day at one of the continent's elite.
According to a report in Spain, the Gunners are prepared to
offer the 27-year-old €75,000-a-week (£60,000) to try and persuade
him to stay, but that would be eclipsed by the €125,000-a-week
(£100,000) on offer from Inter.
Madrid are also prepared to meet that amount after sporting
director Predrag Mijatovic joined the Hleb fan club and is keen to
see him bolster the right side of Madrid's midfield.
According to AS, if Hleb were to leave then that would cause
Cesc Fabregas to become concerned about the direction that the
north London outfit are heading in.
Along with Mathieu Flamini, the Catalan midfielder and Hleb were
close friends and if it appears that Arsenal are taking a step back
then he could well consider his own future at Emirates Stadium next
year.
Barcelona have also made their intentions clear by informing the
player's agents that they would meet his demands as the club look
to continue their summer rebuilding programme.
Camp Nou technical secretary, Txiki Begiristain, has been
tracking Hleb for some time and the Catalan press believe that an
official approach will be made as soon as Inter make their
move.