Arsenal to battle Manchester United and Chelsea for out-of-contract PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Arsenal are preparing a move for Paris Saint-Germain's out-of-contract striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the summer, with Arsene Wenger already making plans for his transfer activity after the end of the ongoing season. The under fire manager has earmarked a defender, a striker and a midfielder to shore up his squad for next season and Ibrahimovic's availability on a free transfer allows the Gunners an opportunity to sign a world class striker who is proven at the top level.

According to the Mirror, the Swede would prefer a move to London, with Chelsea or Manchester United being the other prime candidates to secure his signature. Jose Mourinho, who is believed to have already had a gentleman's agreement with the Red Devils in the summer, is a huge fan of the player and is considering the 34-year-old as a prime candidate to lead the lines when he takes over at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney has been woefully out of form this season while Anthony Martial still needs some time on the pitch to prove his credentials.

Meanwhile, at the Emirates, the Gunners have been found wanting up front, with Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott all fluffing their lines this season, which has seen them go three league games without a win. The north London club have been eliminated from the FA Cup by Watford and are currently 11 points adrift of league leaders Leicester City, with eight games left in the season.

Against Barcelona, the Gunners had a few presentable chances to put the Catalans on the backfoot, but profligacy in front of goal proved their downfall yet again as they crashed out of the round of 16 tie of the Champions League for the sixth year in succession. Wenger is under massive pressure from fans to quit after the end of the season, but the manager is likely to see off his contract which runs until the end of 2017.

Should Ibrahimovic join, he would is expected to demand a weekly wage in the tune of £250,000 ($361620) a week but him being available on a free, alleviates the financial burden on the club. The Swede has already won the Ligue 1 title with PSG and is looking to win his first Champions League title before considering a move to the Premier League.