Liverpool See-Off Competition From Arsenal To Confirm First Summer Signing

As the opening of the summer transfer window approaches, managers are working hard identifying targets and lining-up potential deals so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Liverpool confirm the signing of James Milner from Manchester City…

Liverpool have beaten off competition from Arsenal to secure the signature of James Milner on a free transfer from Manchester City, the club has confirmed today.

Milner’s future has been up in the air in recent months after he rejected a bumper contract extension offer from City, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the month.

The 29-year-old was concerned by his lack of first team opportunities at the Etihad, having only started in 18 Premier League games last season, and many of those saw him play from a wider role.

Milner has attracted plenty of interest from rival clubs and has reportedly been holding talks with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool in recent months.

However, Liverpool have won the race for his signature with the club announcing on Liverpoolfc.com this morning that they’ve agreed a deal to sign Milner on a free transfer, subject to a medial.

A statement on the clubs website read:

Liverpool Football Club are delighted to announce they have agreed a deal to sign Manchester City’s James Milner, subject to a medical.

The Reds have agreed personal terms with the England international, who will join the club on a free transfer on July 1 after his contract at the Etihad Stadium has expired.

No precise details have been released about the contract Milner will sign but the Independent claim he’s agreed a deal worth £150,000-a-week – although this figure has been disputed elsewhere – and he’ll now head to Melwood to undergo a medical over the coming days before finalising the move.

Once the deal is complete, Milner will become Liverpool’s first major piece of business in the summer window and while he may not be the most exciting of purchases, the Reds have actually pulled off something of a coup.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Liverpool transfer news

It’s reported that key to negotiations was the fact that Brendan Rodgers was able to offer Milner the chance to play in his preferred central midfield role with the former Aston Villa star ear-marked as a replacement for Steven Gerrard.

He has huge boots to fill but Milner is an excellent all-rounder who will bring vast experience and a winning mentality to the Liverpool squad, so I’m sure he’ll prove to be an excellent addition for Rodgers’s men next season.