Arsenal are considering a summer bid for Valencia defender Adil Rami, according to talkSPORT. The 27-year-old French international was linked with a move to the Emirates earlier this year, with the Spanish news Web site fichajes.net claiming a £17.5m bid was rejected.

The La Liga club, who are fighting Real Sociedad for a Champions League place next season, are believed to have changed their mind about Rami's future at the club and will now listen to offers for the Frenchman.

Adil Rami
Reuters

Rami is believed to be contracted till 2015. Financial constraints could be another reason why Valencia may be willing to listen to offers. In either case, talkSPORT believes an £8m bid should be sufficient.

Arsene Wenger is believed to be a long-term admirer of the defender and, given the uncertainty surrounding Belgian Thomas Vermaelen's future, could decide to move for Rami to add depth to his defensive options. The Gunners have, however, also been linked to Swansea City centre-back Ashley Williams, for whom a £10m is reportedly close to completion.

Should Valencia fail to make it to the Champions League next season, it could boost the north London club's chances of signing the Frenchman; they can offer him that opportunity.

Russians Anzhi Makhachkala were interested in Rami but he has dismissed any notion of joining the club.

"I'm not going to Anzhi Makhachkala, even though I had a good proposition from this team. I have not had my last word on the France team and I will consider this factor when choosing my future. England? Maybe. I need to be at a big club in Europe," Rami said.

Wenger could face more serious competition from Premier League champions Manchester United, with the Old Trafford club reportedly interested. Portuguese newspaper linked Sir Alex Ferguson to Rami but with the Scot's departure, and Rio Ferdinand signing a new contract, it remains to be seen if incoming boss David Moyes moves for Rami.

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