Arsenal join race for Real Madrid’s De la Red

Goal.com claims that Arsenal have joined the race for Real Madrid midfielder Ruben De la Red, but will find competition from a host of Spanish clubs such as Sevilla and Villarreal.

De la Red has been told by Real Madrid that he is part of thier first team plans for next season, and the Spaniard was brought back to the Bernabeu after season’s spell at fellow La Liga side Getafe.

Bernd Schuster is said to be a fan of the midfielder, who is currently with the Spanish national side in preparation for Euro 2008. However, Real Madrid may be tempted to sell if an offer of high enough value comes in for the player.

Goal.com states that Arsene Wenger is believed to have asked the Arsenal board to make contact with Los Merengues in order to work out a price for the playmaker, which is expected to be around £6 million.

Atletico are also considering making a firm enquiry for the player, but may find it difficult to match anything Arsenal can offer to both club and player.

De la Red, 22, played for Real Madrid’s Castilla side for a few years, and featured in the first team on a number of occasions whilst at the Bernabeu. However, in 2007 De la Red was sold to Getafe, with an option that allowed Real Madrid to buy back the player within the next two years.

After an impressive season with Getafe, Madrid chose to take advantage of this option and bought-back the playmaker for this season. Although Arsenal’s bid may tempt the Real Madrid board, the chance to play first-team football at the Bernabeu may prove too strong for De la Red, who joined Real Madrid at the age of 14.

[Source: Goal.com]