England Under-21 international midfielder Michael Johnson is said to be unhappy at Eastlands, and has been linked with moves to rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Everton all summer.
However, with three experienced midfielders having left Arsenal already in Mathieu Flamini, Alexander Hleb and Gilberto Silva, the Gunners are thought to be lining up a bid, and could trump Spurs and the Toffees by offering Johnson the prospect of Champions League football.
The 20-year-old, who graduated from the productive City academy to make a big impression at Eastlands, is understood to be unhappy with the way previous City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson was treated. He is reportedly ready to leave the club for a bigger challenge.
gd if he joins but doubt hes ready for the responsibility of 1st 11 in title challenging squad...