Rio Ferdinand triggers rumours of Arteta's move to Real

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand claims that he has heard rumours that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could be set to leave the club for Real Madrid in the summer.

Ferdinand suggested that Arteta may set his sights on moving to Spain, where he could replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.

Ancelotti: The English think they have the strongest league, but the Spanish team eliminated two of theirs last year

"I heard something... I heard that Real Madrid [are interested], and when they come knocking, your players will be coachless," Ferdinand said on his YouTube show Vibe with Five.

"I heard Ancelotti, Don Carlo, The Eyebrow, he might be getting off, and that Arteta is looking to go to Real Madrid. That's the rumour on the streets. The streets are talking."

Ancelotti, who returned to Real Madrid for a second spell in charge last summer, has guided the Spanish giants to the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they will face either Manchester City.

Arteta, who played for Barcelona's youth teams before moving to England, has never managed in Spain before.

He has previously expressed his gratitude and loyalty to Arsenal, saying that he feels "privileged" and "happy" to be at the club.

Arteta: It's about inches and those inches need to go our way

Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has urged Arteta to stay at Arsenal and reject any approach from Real Madrid, saying that it would be a "mistake" for him to leave now.

"He has improved so much in the last three years. Remember when he was first appointed, his first few months were very difficult," Petit told Comparebet, before adding:

"Arsenal were in the relegation zone, and the board gave him time to execute his vision and do exactly what he wanted with the team both individually and collectively, now we're all applauding the way Arsenal are playing right now."

"Arteta needs to play with Arsenal in the Champions League first, then we will see what could happen after that."

"Madrid is a huge, huge club and you need to get a manager that has already won big titles and can manage their dressing room."

"There are so many big egos, so many big players over there. With all due respect to Arsenal, it's not the same club."