Rio Ferdinand claims title-chasing Mikel Arteta could leave Arsenal for Real Madrid in the summer

Rio Ferdinand that Mikel Arteta could ditch Arsenal to take over at Real Madrid if Carlo Ancelotti leaves his head coach position at the Spanish giants at the end of the season.

Arteta has worked wonders during his fourth year in charge and has led the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table where they maintain a four point lead over Man City.

But, former Manchester United and England defender Ferdinand has revealed that he has heard the Arsenal coach could be interested in taking over at Real Madrid if a vacancy becomes available.

Speaking on his Vibe with Five YouTube show, Ferdinand explained: ‘You’ve got to keep Arteta, first and foremost.

‘I heard something… I heard that Real Madrid [are interested] and when they come knocking your players will be coachless.

‘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,' he added.

Ancelotti is widely expected to leave Madrid at the end of the season if he fails to retain the Champions League title.

And it was recently reported that Arsenal's discussions with Arteta over extending his time in charge at the Emirates had been put on hold so he could focus on trying to win the Premier League.

Madrid travel to face Chelsea on Tuesday evening where Frank Lampard will be hoping his players can overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit.

Arteta meanwhile needs to get his Arsenal young-guns back firing on all cylinders after dropping four points across their last two games, most recently a 2-2 draw with West Ham.

Despite enduring a rough patch last season that saw some sections of Arsenal supporters call for Arteta to be sacked, the Spaniard has got fans dreaming of a first Premier League crown in almost 20 years.

Should the 41-year-old despite to up and leave London at the end of the season then it would come as a real blow to Arsenal who have invested in Arteta's long-term vision for success.