Arsenal have made an official complaint to the Football Association and FIFA over allegations that Real Madrid made an illegal approach for Nicolas Anelka.

They are furious that the Spanish giants allegedly contacted the French international striker without their consent.

Anelka has told Arsenal that he wants to leave Highbury and join Real Madrid but the north Londoners seem determined to block any move to Spain. However, they are weighing up an offer from Lazio, believed to be worth £22 million, after meeting officials from the Serie A club this week.

Sporting Lisbon hope to sign Peter Schmeichel this weekend. The Portuguese club have offered the Danish international goalkeeper, who is on a free transfer, a lucrative two-year contract with the option of a third.