After a report inThe Metro yesterday suggested that both Arsenal and Liverpool would be jostling for Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing over the summer, it now seems as though the Gunners will complete the deal ahead of their Merseyside rivals.
In light of Samir Nasri's stalling contract negotiations, which could well end in the Frenchman leaving The Emirates, Arsene Wenger is under pressure to find a replacement.
Given that Arsenal still managed to qualify for the Champions League, despite a distinctly average end to the season, it seems that top-flight European football will be the clincher in securing Downing's services.
Though it had become apparent that Villa wanted to keep hold of their 25-cap England international,the former Middlesborough man reiterated his intention to leave Birmingham just yesterday.
"I am 26 and at a major crossroads in my career," Downing said.
"For that reason, I won't be committing to a new deal at this point."
"The most important thing is to play football, but I do want to play in the Champions League at some point."
It is thought that Wenger has been an admirer of Downing for a while now and, should Theo Walcott manage to put together some consistent performances, he would have a plethora of exciting wide options.
In the Premier League alone, Downing's tally of seven goals and nine assists will have been enough to secure interest from a host of very top sides, as well as pushing his price-tage up to around £14 million.
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