Arsenal are resisting interest from Manchester City for defender Kolo Toure.

The Daily Mail says despite Gunners boss Arsene Wenger's denials, it is understood that City, owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi and one of the richest men in the world, have already asked Arsenal for permission to talk to Toure but have so far been refused.

The 27-year-old Toure is a firm favourite of the Arsenal crowd but injuries and upheaval in defence have restricted his appearances this season. The Ivorian, who signed a four-year contract in August 2006, is reputed to be on more than £60,000 per week at Arsenal.