I am assuming that the Arsenal transfer rumours were right and that Arsene Wenger was trying to complete the transfer of the England international James Milner from Man City, because if not then the title of this post makes no sense.
But just yesterday we were hearing that the Gunners were one of the clubs trying to get the talented and versatile 29-year old who is out of contract and so available for nothing but wages this summer. Milner has apparently decided not to join his international team mates Walcott, Welbeck, Wilshere, Chamberlain, Gibbs and Chamberlain.
The Independent have reported that as well as turning down a massive wage hike to stay with his current club, the workaholic winger has turned down the chance to play Champions League football and chosen to play for Liverpool instead.
The noise coming from the Milner camp recently has been all about where and how often he plays and this would seem to be borne out by his move to Anfield, where the squad is not as strong and where competition for places is not as fierce. And with Gerrard heading for the MLS in America, perhaps Brendan Rodgers has offered Milner the chance to play in his favoured central role.
To be honest, although I think he would have made a very handy addition for the Gunners, I have to respect Milner for going with his principles and giving himself the best chance to play regularly for club and country. I just hope we do not regret missing out on him.
However, with Coquelin, Ramsey, Wilshere, Arteta, Cazorla and all fighting for the central midfield roles, would Milner have played any more for us than he did for City? Or even as much?