Arsenal are expected to step up their pursuit of Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate following their Champions League elimination this week.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger knows he needs to find an experienced centre-half, with a Premiership background, to guide his young charges next season and has identified Woodgate as his top target.

Middlesbrough have first option on the England international, but Woodgate will have the final say on his destination and has already admitted he wants to play Champions League football next term.

Weekend press reports had Wenger drawing up an £80,000-a-week contract offer for Woodgate to consider.

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