Arsenal to sign Beckham after Real Madrid stay

Arsenal are waiting in the wings for David Beckham's return to England.

Manchester United rejected an offer from Real Madrid to have first refusal on the England skipper, so clearing the way for a move to Arsenal for the Londoner when his Spanish contract expires.

The Sunday People says friends close to Beckham reckon he will spend the final years of his career based at his 'Beckingham Palace' mansion and playing for a London-based club.

Beckham told a friend: "I will give everything to make the move to Real Madrid work, but I have got some unfinished business in the Premiership before I stop playing."

A senior Old Trafford source also said that Beckham's "business is finished here".

Meanwhile, along with rejecting the opportunity of having first refusal on Beckham, United have not negotiated a confidentiality clause over his move to Real. This leaves the star free to disclose whatever dressing-room secrets he wants to speak about.

Adding to the mix is that lifelong Arsenal fan Tom Watt is penning Beckham's latest book, with publishers instructing the radio personality and former EastEnders star to add a couple of extra chapters on the closing months of his Old Trafford career.