Arsenal have activated a release clause in Marouane Fellaini’s Everton contract, ESPN understands.
The Belgian midfielder can reportedly leave Goodison Park for a side in the Champions League for £22million, while teams outside of Europe’s elite competition must offer an extra £2million.
The 25 year old has been linked with moves to Chelsea and Manchester United in recent weeks, though the Gunners appear to have stolen a march on their rivals.
Fellaini was Everton’s top scorer last season, with eleven goals in thirty-one Premier League appearances.
Meanwhile, the clubs chief executive Ivan Gazidis has revealed that the club could afford to move for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, after he claimed the club are entering a new “escalation of financial firepower”.
The Mirror reports that Gazidis went on to hint that Arsene Wenger could be offered a new contract at the Emirates, after declaring that he hopes the Frenchman wants to “do what he is doing for the long term”.
Finally, Arsenal have been linked with a surprise move for Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor.
The 27 year old is the latest centre-back to be linked with the Gunners, following talk that a deal may be agreed for Swansea City and Wales captain Ashley Williams.
