Former Arsenal attacker Robert Pires has urged the Gunners to move for Real Madrid's Gareth Bale in this summer's transfer window.

Bale has managed 13 goals in all competitions for Madrid this season but has been out of favour in recent months due to injury and a loss of form.

The 29-year-old has cut a frustrated figure at the Bernabeu in recent weeks and shrugged off the congratulations of his teammates after scoring the winner against Levante in the league last weekend.

Madrid are reportedly preparing to sell the Wales international at the end of the season, and Pires is hopeful that Arsenal will be in the mix for the attacker.

"I think there's a good chance Gareth Bale might be playing his last season at Real Madrid," Pires told bwin.

"He is having a very tough time on and off the pitch at the moment, and there are a lot of questions about how settled he is in the dressing room and how appreciated he is by the fans.

"You can see that Bale is an unhappy player at the moment. I think coming back to the Premier League is the most logical step for Gareth Bale. There's an assumption that he would go back to Tottenham [Hotspur], but I would encourage Arsenal to open the door to the Emirates for him.

"I know Tottenham fans would not be happy, but Bale would be very welcome at Arsenal. I hope the club tries to see if it is an option this summer."

Bale - a 2013 arrival from Tottenham - has scored 101 goals in 221 appearances for his Spanish club, helping them win one La Liga, one Copa del Rey and four Champions League crowns in the process.

Manchester United are believed to have a long-standing interest in the former Southampton youngster.