Manchester City are reportedly looking to complete the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk and Brazilian midfielder Fred.

City are looking to strengthen their defensive midfield options with Shakhtar’s 24 year-old Brazilian Fred. That’s according to the Telegraph, who report the Sky Blues see him as a long-term replacement for the ageing Fernandinho and Yaya Toure.

The S*n have taken this news have portrayed it as Arsenal and Manchester United both missing out on the player. That’s because the Daily Star, in another one of their exclusives, claimed earlier this month that the two clubs were interested.

They reported that Arsenal and United were ‘at the front of the race’ for the midfielder, but would face competition from several clubs – none of which were City. Evidently, Arsenal and United battling each other for the player has distracted them from actually doing a deal.

If Arsenal have any interest, they’re unlikely to follow up on it this window. They’re currently focussing on their attack and are busy trying to sort out the Alexis Sanchez situation. The midfield could do with strengthening, but it’ll have to wait until the summer.

With Jack Wilshere fit and playing well for Arsenal, Aaron Ramsey slowly returning from injury, while Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny are also present, Arsene Wenger might not prioritise another face in the engine room.