Arsenal have emerged as the favourites to sign out of favour Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart according to reports emerging today.

The Dutch international midfielder has been linked with a move to the Premier League on a number of occasions, with both Spurs and Everton rumoured to have tabled bids.

But it seems that another North London club - Arsenal - are now favourites to sign him up.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is eager to add some much needed strength in depth to his squad, having seen his side struggle when key players are absent through injury.

The former Ajax and Hamburg man is certain to leave the Bernabeu after falling out of favour with coach Manuel Pellegrini. He will lead a January exodus of stars that will also include Ruud Van Nistelrooy who has been strongly linked with Spurs.

With his contract at Madrid set to run until 2013, Arsenal know that they will have to stump up a fair whack to lure him to the Emirates, but a substantial fee is not thought to be a problem for Arsenal. A figure in the region of £8million has been quoted.

The player himself admitted he needs to move on in order to gain some first team football.

"If an opportunity emerges I would look at it because I need games.

"For the moment nobody has told me I am leaving. I am now back on the bench but I will again have a chance to show my quality."