The Gunners are preparing a swoop for Ferdinand.
In one of the more surprising transfer stories of late, Arsenal are looking to snap up Manchester United veteran Rio Ferdinand this summer, according to the Mirror.
The centre-back’s current deal at Old Trafford expires at the end of this season and it’s still unknown whether the Premier League champions are going to offer the 35-year-old a new deal.
United’s interim manager Ryan Giggs has urged the board to give Ferdinand a 12 month extension – which is also the defender’s preferred choice – but it’s unknown whether the new permanent boss will want the Englishman.
This has delayed negotiations over a new contract and it’s thought up to a dozen clubs are keeping a close eye on developments, with the desire to sign the former England international themselves.
Among those are QPR (if they gain promotion from the Championship via the play-offs) MLS franchise LA Galaxy and Turkish duo Galatasaray and Besiktas.
Yet surprisingly the Gunners are also in the mix, with manager Arsene Wenger understood to be a keen admirer of Ferdinand.
Despite his age the defensive ace does bring a wealth of top flight experience and with club captain Thomas Vermaelen expected to be sold in the summer, cover is needed at the back.
Ferdinand was weighing up the possibility of retirement this year after a relatively disappointing campaign under the management of David Moyes.
However, the former Leeds United and West Ham United star has now decided to continue playing for at least another year and that could well be at the Emirates Stadium.
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