Fellaini’s interest in a transfer to Arsenal has been increased by discussions he has had with Arteta, a former team-mate at Goodison Park

Arsenal have moved ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United in the battle to sign Marouane Fellaini from Everton and the Belgium midfielder is giving serious consideration to moving to the Emirates Stadium.

Bill Kenwright, the Everton chairman, confirmed The Times’s revelations from January on Wednesday of a buyout clause in Fellaini’s contract, enabling him to leave Goodison Park if the club receive an offer of a stipulated sum from a Champions League club, and Arsenal plan to exercise that £24 million option.

“Fellaini insisted on that [clause],” Kenwright said yesterday. “I have to say he has given me every indication he doesn’t want to go.”

Fellaini, though, has repeatedly spoken of his desire to play in the Champions League and has told friends that