Arsenal in £7m raid for Man City star

Arsenal are set to make a move for Manchester City defender Micah Richards for a fee in the region of £7 million according to the News of the World.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is said to be a keen admirer of the England international who made his debut for Man City just three years ago, and the Gunners boss is hopeful of landing Richards at a cut price.

City turned down a £5 million bid for the defender in July 2006 after Richards impressive displays caught the attention of top European clubs, earning the defender his full England call-up in November 2006, becoming the youngest ever England defender at 18-years-old.

However, Richards has failed to recapture such form this season after a serious injury last year and with the new owners looking for top class international defenders Richards may find himself forced out at Eastlands.

Elsewhere, Zenit St. Petersburg are believed to have rejected Arsenal’s “last offer” for star midfielder Andrei Arshavin according to reports on goal.com.

However, talks are said to still be ongoing with Zenit keen to avoid upsetting the player, who is rumoured to be ready to strike should his deal with the Gunners fall through. Arsenal are said to value Arshavin at a far lower price than Zenit’s £20 million asking price.

Sources: The News of the World, Goal.com