Arsenal to rival Spanish giants for Mascherano

Arsenal could join the January race for River Plate midfielder Javier Mascherano.

Deportivo La Coruna lead Real Madrid and Barcelona in their bid to land the 20 year-old.

The Gunners could turn to Mascherano as a replacement for Edu, who has so far baulked at agreeing terms over a new contract.

Arsenal were said to have been preparing £7.5 million offer for Mascherano in August before Patrick Vieira committed himself to the club.

"I had some conversations (about Arsenal) at some point but that chance depended on if Patrick Vieira was going to leave and that didn't happen so the negotiations ended there," said Mascherano.