Gunners may face double Spanish exit

Arsenal could be hit by a double Spanish raid, with Lauren and Edu being linked with moves to Primera Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Real are reportedly set to snap up Cameroon international Lauren when his contract runs out in the summer.

Bernabeu president Florentino Perez is quoted in The Sun as saying: “Lauren will play for Real Madrid next season because his contract will expire. We have him signed.”

Brazil midfielder Edu, meanwhile, has expressed a desire to join Barcelona after stalling on signing a new deal at Highbury.

The 26-year-old told the same newspaper: “I’ll continue belonging to Arsenal and want to play if I’m fit.

“But I’m very happy with the interest from Barca. They’re playing very well and can win everything this year.

“I know Ronaldinho and he’s the world’s best player at the moment. It’d be magnificent to play alongside him.”