Arsenal have scheduled talks with Marouane Fellaini’s representatives as they aim to take advantage of the Belgium centre midfielder’s contract standoff at Manchester United, according to reports.

Fellaini, 30, has rejected all overtures from the Premier League runners-up to extend a deal that expires in the summer. This potential availability on a free transfer has alerted the Gunners, for whom new head coach Unai Emery and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat have been given just a £50 million (Dh244.3m) budget after two years of heavy spending under the former’s predecessor Arsene Wenger.

French TV show Foot 365 have stated talks will soon be opened with the giant player – who headed in an injury time winner during April’s previous meeting between the Red Devils and Gunners.

Fellaini has also been linked to Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille.

The Standard Liege youth product’s previously spurned two offers to remain at Old Trafford. He joined them in 2013 from Everton, going on to score 20 times in 155 games.