Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is planning a bid for Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart. The Mail on Sunday says despite Arsenal's dazzling start, Wenger is considering strengthening the squad with 26-year-old midfielder Van der Vaart, who is available for just £6m after becoming involved in a bitter dispute with Real.

Wenger has allowed Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to leave for £38m and has been criticised for spending only £8m on centre-half Vermaelen.

Van der Vaart would be a welcome addition, with Tomas Rosicky and Samir Nasri injured, and yesterday the Dutchman said: "I really want to come to England.

"There are a number of clubs with offers, where I can go in Germany, Spain and Italy. I have also had a request from Martin Jol to go back to Ajax. But none of those options appeal to me. I want to go to the Premier League and I know where I want to play."