Arsenal: Manchester City star James Milner ready to snub Liverpool for Emirates move

Manchester City midfielder James Milner is reportedly keen on joining Arsenal in the summer, according to the Independent.

The 29-year-old's contract with the Premier League champions will expire at the end of this term. He has seen his first team appearances reduced under Manuel Pellegrini as he started in only 14 league games and came from the bench on 13 occasions.

Milner has scored three goals and registered six assists in the league, despite his limited playing time. His form and versatile style of playing has seen him attract interest from other clubs in England.

While Arsenal have maintained their interest, Liverpool are also keen in signing him in the summer. The Reds were confident in signing Milner as a free agent as their manager Brendan Rodgers is a huge admirer of the player.

City are unable to assure him regular playing time and the playing position, which has forced Milner to look elsewhere.

Liverpool were hoping that the former Aston Villa midfielder could replace Steven Gerrard at the Merseyside club. The Anfield hero has decided to end his Liverpool career after the end of this season.

However, Milner is not looking forward to joining Liverpool as he has set his sights on making a switch to the Emirates. The Gunners manager Arsene Wenger rates him highly and will be open to signing him as a free agent.

Meanwhile, The Evening Standard reports that any move from Arsenal in securing his services will need them to hand him a four-year deal. The Etihad club are looking to keep hold of the midfielder in order to increase the home grown players in the squad.

City are looking to offer him a three-year deal, which will see him earn £80,000-a-week. However, there has been no progress in the contract negotiations and it is likely that Milner could leave the English champions in the upcoming transfer window for nothing.

Wenger is hoping to sign Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin. However, the Saints' £25m ($37.1m) asking price has forced the Frenchman to look elsewhere. With Milner available on a free transfer and willing to join the Gunners, the Arsenal manager could sign him this summer.