Real Madrid close in on Arsenal's Edu

Real Madrid have joined Barcelona and Valencia in the race for Arsenal midfielder Edu.

The Brazil international is refusing to sign a new contract offered by the Gunners and is ready to leave Highbury on a Bosman in June.

However, Real are ready to swoop for the midfielder when the winter market opens and have already drawn up a four-and-a-half year contract for the Brazilian.

The only doubt for Real is that Edu is Cup-tied from Champions League football this season. But with the Spanish giants still involved in the Copa Del Rey, club chiefs believe it could be an advantage to have Edu available for only domestic action.

Barcelona and Valencia are also chasing the Gunners ace, but both clubs originally had hoped to sign him to a pre-contract only next month.