Rumour: Arsenal and Manchester City join race for AC Milan defender Adil Rami

Adil Rami of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at San Siro Stadium

Arsenal and Manchester City have joined the race to sign French international star Adil Rami, according to reports in the Daily Star.

Rami was highly-sought after during his days in Spain playing for Valencia, however, his form began to deteriorate and along with the Spanish sides financial issues, they had to offload him on-loan to AC Milan.

The Frenchman however, has struggled in Italy and AC Milan’s continuously poor form has fuelled speculation that the centre-back could be on his way out of the country.

Valencia are not keen to keep Rami, particularly after the defender criticised his parent clubs form during his current spell in Italy.

Arsenal, who are already in a race with Liverpool to sign Thomas Muller, are now fighting off Manchester City to sign Rami, with the latter in deep need of reinforcements at the back. Both sides will face competition from AC Milan however, who are keen to acquire the Frenchman’s services.

His £7m price-tag is likely to put the Italians off – especially with his contract expiring next year.

Rami is expected to travel with the France squad to participate in this summers World Cup under Didier Deschamps, which means Arsene Wenger and Manuel Pellegrini will be keen to strike out a deal before the defender departs to Brazil – fearing his price-tag may rise.