Versatile midfielder hols talks with Arsenal and Liverpool, Gunners lead the race

Milner vid pic
Milner vid pic

James-Milner

Arsenal and Liverpool are set for a summer battle in signing Manchester City midfielder James Milner in the summer transfer window.

The 29-year-old is a free agent after he turned down a chance to extend his stay at the Etihad beyond 30 June. He has been attracting interest from top clubs in the Premier League, as even Manchester United are also believed to be keen on landing him.

According to Sky Sports, Milner has already held talks with both the Gunners and the Merseyside club. However, no decision will be taken on his future until the completion of England’s Euro qualifiers later in June.

The former Aston Villa man can play in different positions and despite his versatile style of play, he has struggled to get regular playing time at City. He has started only in 18 league games under Manuel Pellegrini.

Milner needs assurances of regular playing time and he is likely to join the club where he can feature regularly. The same report claims that it is Arsene Wenger’s side, who is leading the race in landing the England international.

Liverpool struggle this season and they are out of next season’s Champions League as they finished sixth in the league table. Despite that, a move to Anfield will see him likely replace Steven Gerrard in the midfield.

However, a move to the Emirates will see him struggle to get regular playing time as they already have the services of Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott, Mesut Ozil, Danny Welbeck and Santi Cazorla.

In the central midfield position, they have Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini, while Tomáš Rosický and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, along with Cazorla can play in different positions.

It should be seen where Milner will join the Gunners or the Reds. A move to the Emirates will see him play in the Champions League, something which is not possible at Liverpool next season.

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