Source: Team_Talk
Report: Gunners drawn to Downing
Arsenal have reportedly lodged an £18million bid for Aston Villa's England international winger Stewart Downing.[LNB] Arsene Wenger has been surprisingly quiet in the transfer market so far this summer, with the Gunners yet to show their hand. [LNB]It is, however, widely acknowledged that they will require fresh faces if they are to challenge for the Premier League title this season.[LNB]They may even struggle to retain their top-four standing if they fail to add, with a number of their rivals having been busy bolstering their ranks.[LNB]Downing has been identified as one possible new recruit, and it is understood that a big-money offer was put to Villa on Friday.[LNB]The 26-year-old has hinted that he will be on his way out of Villa Park in the near future, with contract talks having been shelved.[LNB]Liverpool are also keen on the former Middlesbrough man, and it is believed that they remain the favourites to secure his signature.[LNB]Kenny Dalglish is, however, yet to meet Villa's asking price and Arsenal are hoping they can lure Downing to the capital.
