by Lewis Ambrose

Arsenal have been linked with out of contract Manchester City midfielder James Milner, but won’t match the £150,000 a week offer made by Liverpool.

James Olley of London Evening Standard says the Gunners won’t be drawn into a bidding war which will pave the way for Milner’s move to Anfield.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 24: James Milner of Manchester City applauds supporters after the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Southampton at Etihad Stadium on May 24, 2015 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 24: James Milner of Manchester City applauds supporters after the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Southampton at Etihad Stadium on May 24, 2015 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

The England international has won two Premier League titles as well as an FA Cup since moving to Etihad Stadium from Aston Villa, but has struggled to nail down a place as a first choice player.

Already 29, Milner not only wants to play more regularly but also seems to want to play in central midfield.

The England international has been capped 53 times by the Three Lions but regular football for a top club would also improve his chances of starting more games for his country.

Pole position

As he will be a free agent Milner is in a strong position to demand a huge wage packet and signing on fee, and Liverpool seem to be in pole position.

Milner would likely become a key member of the Liverpool midfield with Steven Gerrard leaving the club, and will be able to afford Milner’s demands now they are free of the former captain’s wages.

Francis Coquelin has emerged in holding midfield this season and Arsène Wenger is keen to give Mikel Arteta a new deal. With Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and even Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all vying for spots in the middle of the park it seems highly unlikely Milner would be too attracted to Arsenal despite the allure of Champions League football.

Highest

If Arsenal were to match the reported £150,000 a week contract offer on the table from Liverpool it would make Milner the highest paid player in the squad.

Mesut Özil and Alexis Sánchez, marquee signings from the past two summers, both reportedly earn £140,000 a week and – no matter how highly anyone rates him – Milner simply isn’t of the same calibre.

Worth

Arsenal’s squad is already big but Milner would add to it. He’s versatile, dependable, and technically far better than his reputation would have you believe.

Financially, though, the deal wouldn’t make any sense.

James Milner would be a good addition for us but he isn’t worth the outlay.