Aston Villa left winger Stewart Downing has long been a target for Liverpool boss Kenny Danglish, but the inability to get a deal done has allowed Arsenal to make a move for the 26-year-old.
It was reported a week ago that Downing was close to landing with the Reds, but a high £20 million price tag by Aston Villa has slowed down negotiations and allowed Arsenal to make a bid as well. According to the Sunday Mirror in London, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is prepared to match any offer for Downing in a transfer request. Wenger is being pressured to land a big name player because Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri could be gone to new teams by fall.
Downing had seven goals in 38 Premier League matches in the 2010-11 season.
