With the transfer window fast approaching, it seems Arsenal have already zeroed in on their targets for the summer and James Milner is likely to be our first signing with former Gunners player Alan Smith claiming that the Englishman might join the North London on a free transfer.
The 29 year old will be available on a free transfer this summer after Manchester City failed to agree on a contract extension to keep the midfielder at the Etihad. This isn’t the first time we were linked with the player with reports last week suggesting that the Gunners are favourites to sign him ahead of Liverpool.
The reports in social media claimed that Sky Sports commentator Alan Smith has heard that the midfielder will be off to Arsenal on a free transfer this summer.
Alan Smith has just said live on Sky that he's heard James Milner is off to Arsenal this summer on a free transfer.
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) May 11, 2015
However the former striker later clarified on his official twitter account that his comment was misinterpreted and stressed that he was unaware of any deal but only heard whispers on a potential deal.
To be clear, I didn't say James Milner was definitely signing for Arsenal. Just heard a whisper. Nothing more
— Alan Smith (@9smudge) May 11, 2015
The Englishman has made 30 appearances for the Citizens this season, scoring an impressive 4 goals and assisting six. The numbers might not be ground breaking but considering the game time he has had this season, they are nothing short of achievement.
He is a veteran in the Premier League and has played top flight football since 2004, which is a huge achievement in it self. He isn’t a superstar by any means but he is a team player who will give his everything when called upon and is also versatile enough to play anywhere in the midfield.
The salary demands will be very high considering that this will be his last big contract as he is approaching his 30’s, but without any transfer fee involved, it doesn’t look very high. So, the ultimate question is whether we need one more midfielder while we already have a bunch of quality players already competing for a starting spot.
The opinions will definitely be divided, however if we are truly planning on a title bid next season we need to have a very strong bench to sustain the challenge for the whole season which is why this free signing makes great sense.
Apart from the options he would bring, there is also an added advantage as he would also bring a strong and determined leadership qualities with him and will also provide that match winning mentality when the going gets tough.
I would dearly love him to see him Arsenal. What do you think, should we sign James Milner?
