James Milner could be the signing of the summer for Arsenal. Now bear with us. We know he’s not a fancy, flair player, we know he’s often associated with being a little boring and we are fully aware that his playing position will put him in direct competition with a host of the Gunners’ key men, but he could be.

Reports claim that the Londoners are ahead of the likes of Liverpool in the race to land Milner on a free transfer this summer when his Manchester City contract expires, and such a move is, perhaps, the wisest one the Emirates Stadium outfit could pull off in a few months’ time.

Don’t believe us? Well, here are FIVE reasons to sway you…

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Not like any player Arsenal have

It’s a common held view that Arsenal are a bit soft centred… the sort of team that can be got at if you just ‘get up in their faces’. Although this is a little bit of a lazy stereotype, there is some bulk to it, with the bulk of the Gunners’ stars towards the flair end of the spectrum, rather than the battling extreme.

Milner is a little different, however, as he won’t beat three men before whipping the ball goalwards and his main strengths do not lay in unlocking defences around the edge of the area. He’s by no means a poor player technically (as the above clip shows), but his major attributes are hard work, desire, commitment and guts (all very ‘British’, we know.) Maybe a role in the centre of the park for the former Leeds youth star would benefit the Gunners, who could certainly use his energy and tenacity… just look how much better they’ve been with Francis Coquelin in the side.

Can play everywhere

A quick glance at the positions in which Milner has played this season shows his versatility. The England international has occupied both flanks, played in central midfield, been used as a ‘No. 10’ and has even performed up front as a striker. Although the middle of the park is his favoured position going forward, the ability to fill in when needed in other roles helps his game, and is sure to be of benefit to Arsenal, who are known for their horrendous injury problems.

A proven winner

Milner has won as many trophies this season as Arsenal have since the start of the 2005/06 campaign. Wow! The midfielder left Aston Villa in a big money deal back in 2010 in a bid to claim the biggest prizes on offer, and has since claimed two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, The League Cup and the Community Shield. It’s fair to say that he knows a thing or two about winning in English football, which is more than can be said about many of Arsenal’s players.

Hard worker

As mentioned before, Milner works hard. Every top side has had a mix of creative, inspirational players and willing workers, which is what Arsenal have been lacking. While likes of Santi Czaorla, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil can unlock defences, having Milner in a deeper role could ensure that the dirty work is done, but by a player who can also contribute going forward.

Free!!!!!

Although it may cost Arsenal as much as £130,000-per-week to have Milner in their squad, picking up a player of his calibre for mothering in terms of a transfer fee is pretty slick business. The midfielder is set to leave Man City when his current contract ends, and due to his age, 29, he won’t cost a penny in compensation payments. Not bad when an equivalent player would likely cost over £20m.