Arsenal Prepare Cut-Price Move for Manchester City Midfielder James Milner

Arsenal are preparing a move for Manchester City midfielder James Milner as a replacement for the departing Bacary Sagna, according to the Telegraph.

The England international has only one year left in his contract and has attracted interest from Arsene Wenger who is a huge fan of his versatility.

The former Aston Villa man can play on the wings, in midfield or at right-back, a position left vacant by the imminent departure of Sagna in the summer transfer window.

Milner has been a bit part player in the City line-up and has been mostly used as an impact sub in the later stages of a game to close down the opposition or add more energy to the midfield. The midfielder is at £150,000 a week at City and has refused to sign a new contract which has attracted interest from a lot of clubs.

Arsenal's ability to offer him Champions League football for the upcoming season may play a part in his decision as City look to sell him than let him leave for free in the next transfer window. The midfielder is expected to be available for a fee in the range of £10m and will provide some much needed depth to the Gunners's line-up.

He can also play as a defensive midfielder and can interchange with Mikel Arteta for the coveted position beside Aaron Ramsey, who has been in brilliant form this season.

Carl Jenkinson is expected to be sent on loan and Wenger is also looking at a permanent option at right-back with Serge Aurier favourites to take over from Sagna.

Southampton's Calum Chambers is an option but Wenger is looking to bring in Aurier who has been voted the best right-back in Ligue One for the recently concluded season.

Meanwhile, Sagna is expected to move to City when the window opens where he will play as understudy to Pablo Zabaleta and spruce up the champions' defence with his ability to play as a centre-back.