Arsenal have pulled out of the race to sign James Milner, due to the wage demands being higher than they are willing to pay.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Manchester City winger throughout the season, but according to the London Evening Standard, Wenger is refusing to pay over the odds.
Milner’s wage demands are reported to be in the region of £150,000 a week, an amount that is already higher than both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, who are the Gunners’ current highest earners.
Interest hotted up in last summer’s transfer window when the 29-year-old stated he would not be signing a contract extension at the club, and instead is looking for a new challenge.
Premier League rivals Liverpool are now the front-runners to sign the England international, who has proved his experience in the league since 2002, playing at the likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle United and of course, Manchester City.
Arsenal were first interested in Milner before the emergence of Francis Coquelin, and although Wenger can offer him Champions League football, a place in the starting eleven is more likely over at Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Milner has 13 goals in his 147 appearances for the former Premier League champions, but it is understood he will be utilised as a central defensive player wherever he decides to go.
Wenger already has the likes of Francis Coquelin, Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta to sit infront of the defence, but pundits have criticised whether Arsenal can cope if they are to suffer injuries.
Fresh Arsenal will keep you updated with all the major transfer news and gossip, so get involved by following us on Twitter.