Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is joining the battle for available Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing.
The Daily Star says Wenger is ready to bid for Liverpool target Downing if Samir Nasri refused to sign a new contract.
He would let the player leave rather than lose him on a free in a year's time.
England international Downing would cost Arsenal at least £18m and has made it clear to Villa he wants to play Champions League football.
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