Arsenal in pole position to land PSV star Ibrahim Afellay

By Sportsmail Reporter

In demand: PSV star Ibrahim Afellay

Arsenal are confident of tying up a deal for PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Afellay despite Real Madrid's late interest.



The 24-year-old Dutch international will be a free transfer in the summer after revealing he had no intention of signing a new deal with PSV last week and is able to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs in January.



The attacking midfielder has stated his preference for the Barclays Premier League and Liverpool are said to have held preliminary talks.



Boss Roy Hodgson watched him in action last weekend while Manchester United and Everton have also shown interest.



However, Arsenal have been admirers for some time and after making a £7.5m offer last summer, believe they can get their man for free.



