Wenger likely to move for Wright-Phillips next summer

Shaun Wright-Phillips is likely to join Arsenal next summer. The midfielder signed a new four-year contract with Manchester City in August, but the Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, has long admired the ambitious 23-year-old.

Shaun Wright-Phillips is likely to join Arsenal next summer. The midfielder signed a new four-year contract with Manchester City in August, but the Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, has long admired the ambitious 23-year-old.

Kevin Keegan is unlikely to be able to stand in his player's way if Wright-Phillips is offered the chance of playing regular Champions' League football - and City's debts of £62m make a move even more likely. Wright-Phillips is believed to be flattered by Arsenal's interest and knows that a move would enhance his England prospects. Arsenal would have to pay around £10m.

The adopted son of the former North Bank hero Ian Wright, Wright-Phillips' pace and attacking instincts make him a natural addition to Arsenal's swashbuckling side and Wenger has made no secret of his admiration. "He is a guy we have an eye on and we follow his progress. He will be a very good player, " Wenger said in September. "He is a Wright - and the Wrights have a big love affair with Arsenal. At the moment I do not want to say we are buying him. Could he be at Arsenal one day? It is not impossible."