Arsenal want Manchester City to cough up £22 million up front to close Samir Nasri's signing.
The Mirror says the Gunners have told City manager Roberto Mancini he can have his man for £22million, and conceded they have zero chance of persuading the France international to sign a new contract.
Talks between the clubs are progressing at a swift rate - the only real snag holding up the deal is the manner in which the payment will be made.
City are thought to have offered in the region of £15m for a player who now has less than a year remaining on his current contract and could leave on a free at the end of the coming season.
They have also indicated they are prepared to meet Arsenal's valuation by paying another £7m in performance-related add-ons, but the Gunners are adamant they want a straight-cash payment up-front - because of the need to sign a replacement.
