Former Arsenal and England striker Alan Smith is said to have revealed that Man City’s James Milner is set to move to the Emirates this summer.
The midfielder is out of contract next month and is highly expected to leave on a free transfer, despite his club keen on securing his services beyond his current deal. Liverpool had been believed to be leading the chase, but during last night’s home match against Swansea City, Smith claimed Milner would be moving to the Emirates for the next campaign.
The 29 year-old is highly versatile, having played at full-back, in every possible midfield position, as well as up front in his time at the Etihad. Milner himself is believed to be keen on a more central role, with first-team football a must in order to complete his signature.
The England international could be set for a role alongside Francis Coquelin in the midfield berth, although Santi Cazorla has been instrumental in all things positive this year.
The competition for the more advanced midfield roles is also strong, but I can picture Coquelin and Milner sharing a role alongside the impressive Spaniard, but would that be enough for the Man City man?
I’m not sure we can offer the Liverpool target as much regular action as he is hoping for, but we could prove tempting with the opportunity to continue playing Champions League football.
The Anfield club seemingly gave up on qualifying for a top-four finish by settling for a point away to newly-crowned Premier League champions Chelsea at the weekend, and could miss out on a host of their targets due to their failings.
Milner’s quality has rarely come under scrutiny, but can you picture him in an Arsenal shirt? Would he make your starting XI? What position would he play for us?