Will Arsenal make a bid for Harry Kane? Arteta responds

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane [Reuters, Andrew Couldridge]

Mikel Arteta refused to be drawn on whether Arsenal will table a bid for wantaway Tottenham striker Harry Kane this summer.

The England captain is a target for a number of Premier League clubs after informing Spurs chiefs he would like to leave after 17 years on the club's books.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea have made enquiries about Kane with a view to a summer swoop, although the 27-year-old is valued at an eye-watering £150million.

Arsenal are unlikely to have the financial firepower to pull off such a deal, but Arteta chose to highlight Kane's precocious ability rather than rule out a transfer explicitly.

"I don't know if Harry Kane is leaving Spurs," said the Gunners boss. "I think he is still there.

"I don't know, there are too many ifs. If he wants to leave, he will try to make the best decision for himself, I am sure."

Arteta added: "I suffered him both ways: as a player and as a manager. I think English football should be so proud to have someone with his talent, with his quality and as well with his consistency.

"I think what he's been able to do over the years in that position in this league, it's incredible.

"The national team has someone to lean on and it gives you the opportunity to compete against any team because you know that he can win the game for you at any moment. That's big words in football."

Kane is considered one of the best strikers in the world and there is no club he relishes playing against more than local rivals Arsenal.

He spent one season with the Gunners as a child before he was released in 2002 and snapped up by boyhood club Tottenham two years later.

Since emerging from the academy ranks, Kane has netted 11 goals in 13 Premier League games against the Gunners, while also grabbing two assists in the north London derby.