The Man City midfielder (well he can play anywhere!) James Milner is out of contract at the Etihad from today, and it has now been confirmed by Sky Sports that the England international has been in talks with both Arsenal and Liverpool.
Milner is definitely talented and his bulldog spirit is well-known, but I am not sure whether he could fit in as a regular starter at the Emirates, and it is very well-known that the reason the 29 year-old is leaving City is because he is searching for a regular starting spot elsewhere and with the array of talents that Arsenal have in midfield I really can’t see that happening.
Obviously the attraction for Wenger would be that Milner comes on a free transfer, but the only position I could see him taking is as a replacement for Matthieu Flamini, and how many games has HE had since the re-arrival of Francis Coquelin?
Another question would be the wages that Milner would be looking for after being paid well by Moneybags Man City, and Manuel Pellegrini has reportedly offered the England man an increased wage to stay at the club. “It’s a decision James must take at the end of season, what is better for his future,” the Man City boss said. “I always talk that he is an important player for our team, he can play in different positions because he is an intelligent player.
“He always gives 100 per cent but it will be sorted at the end of the season.
“I can think staying at Manchester City is best him for him but it’s important what he thinks.”
Maybe the big wage could be counteracted by a generous signing on fee from Arsenal, but looking at the possible deal as a whole, I really cant see it happening. Can you?
Did JACK really say that about the SPUDS in public!