Kolo Toure could leave Arsenal to City

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Kolo Toure could leave Arsenal to join Manchester City in the next 24 hours.

The 28-year-old defender played for Arsenal in a pre-season friendly in Hungary last night but it is thought he is now close to completing a deal, thought to be in the region of £14 million, to move to Eastlands.

Toure would become Manchester City's fifth acquisition of the close season after Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tévez and Emmanuel Adebayor, who was also signed from Arsenal, and would take City's summer spending towards the £100m mark. City are also hopeful for a breakthrough in their efforts to sign Joleon Lescott from Everton.

Wenger has confirmed talks are ongoing and said the picture would be clearer tomorrow. "We will see what's happening in the next 24 hours, nothing is decided yet," he said. "We have seven centre-backs and I am in the position where I have to play some in midfield but of course Kolo is a very good player and we will see what will happen."

Arsenal have signed central defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax and Wenger hinted that he will make more signings before the transfer window closes. "I am more focused on getting everybody fit for the start of the season but we are looking at opportunities as well, there are still some pre-season games to see what we really need. When the time comes we will do something."

Source: Times Online