Meanwhile, Arsenal have also been credited with a bid for Rennes enforcer Yann M'Vila, would would bring a combative edge to the Gunners' midfield.

Aston Villa and Tottenham were both top of their respective Academy Leagues when Arsenal came calling and City hadn't tasted defeat all season before their first-leg clash at Eastlands last month.

The player has been pleading for Arsenal to come and get him, but I'm pretty sure that he'll proclaim that Man City is his "dream club" when they give him an offer that he can't refuse.