Arsenal Competing with Manchester City for Out-of-Favour French Defender – Report

Arsenal and Manchester City are paying close attention to the situation developing in Valencia where manager Miroslav Djukic has suspended Adil Rami without pay after a very public falling out.

The France international was heavily linked with a summer switch to Arsenal but eventually remained at Valencia where he has been extremely critical of Djukic, leading to him being left out of the first team squad.

Rami spoke to Cadena Ser to vent his frustration at events and was subsequently suspended by the club before the game against Rayo Vallecano.

"I do not speak with Djukic. He is the head of the boat, but we will see where we are at the end of the season," stated Rami.

"My relationship with him is not good. He does not speak to your face. To me, he said I could be one of the best centre-backs in Europe and he has not shown it.

"We lost people like [David] Albelda, Tino Costa and [Roberto] Soldado, people who talk face to face and now in the dressing room there are only those that don't tell the truth."

A report in the Daily Express states that Valencia have already informed the defender that he will be allowed to leave in January; news that is said to have alerted Arsenal, Manchester City and Spanish champions Barcelona.

Djukic refused to comment on rumours that Rami has been transfer listed but suggested that the final decision on his future will be in the hands of the club.

"As far as I am concerned, the issue over Rami is now closed," said Djukic, as reported on Sky Sports. "It is in the club's hands. I can talk to you about [defender] Víctor Ruiz; he's the one that is here and the one that played [against Granada on Wednesday].

"The rest is in the club's hands. It is not down to me anymore. I have done what I had to do. We took a decision quickly and for the good of the club."

Arsenal have started the season in excellent fashion but injuries in defence have forced Arsene Wenger to play Bacary Sagna in the unfamiliar role of centre back.

Should Rami become available for a low fee then Wenger may well consider the move, especially as the centre-back is an international colleague of Laurent Koscielny and boasts a wealth of experience at the very highest level.

However, it seems there will be no shortage of potential suitors with Manchester City and Barcelona also said to be interested in the 27 year old.