Arsenal have activated Marouane Fellaini's release clause, according to report

According to a report by The Times, Arsenal have activated Marouane Fellaini's £22 million release clause*. The big-haired Belgian has continually been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea, therefore, if either of these clubs are still contemplating whether or not to make a move for him, a decision may soon have to be made. If any sort of bidding war ensues, then Arsenal are unlikely to acquire the versatile midfielder.

* Reports on the amount of this release clause varies between £22-24 million.

Fellaini would improve the midfield at any of these clubs, but he may have most value at United. First of all, the champions are badly in need of a destructive and energetic player to shield for Michael Carrick. After Manchester City's recent purchase of the energetic Fernandinho, meaning he'll be joining the powerful Yaya Toure in their engine room, a player like Fellaini would come in very handy for Manchester derbies -- and for other difficult midfield battles as well. In addition, the versatile midfielder is comfortable nearly anywhere in the center of the park as he can sit deep and protect the back four as a No.6 (just as he does for Belgium), he can be an energetic box-to-box player that can also make late-arriving runs into the box in order to be a goalscoring threat, while he can also be a 'plan B' by pushing high up the pitch when United need to bombard the opposition's penalty area with crosses when chasing a late goal. Fellaini essentially could compliment the style(s) of any other midfielder(s). Furthermore, David Moyes is thought to have a good relationship with the player from their Everton days and the new United manager will know how to use him best -- it was a brave and brilliant move last season to make Fellaini a target-man No.10.

There's been some debate amongst United fans on whether if Fellaini is good value or not for £22-24 million -- and perhaps the club itself is pondering this too. Therefore, it might not be prudent to get into any sort of bidding war for the player. In addition, the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Kevin Strootman could possibly both be had for under £30 million. Fellaini, though, would almost undoubtedly make an immediate impact at Old Trafford if he were to arrive this summer. At 25-years-old, he's a maturing player that is entering his prime and he's the sort of player United have badly needed in the engine room since Darren Fletcher's recent health issues arose. This is why I've thought he would be a perfect summer signing. It'll be very interesting to see how United and Fellaini respond to Arsenal's bid.