Manchester City are closer to beating Arsenal to the signing of Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt.

The Mirror says City are involved in a three-way tussle with Arsenal and Bayern Munich after the 6ft 1in powerhouse informed his agent he didn't want to move to Barcelona because he feared he would be left on their bench.

Big-spending City now lead the way, with both the Gunners and German champions Bayern baulking at his valuation.

All three clubs will have scouts at the Amsterdam Arena on Sunday, when Ajax face champions-elect PSV Eindhoven.

De Ligt, who currently earns £15,000-a-week, said: “I am going to make a decision with my head, not based on money offers.

“I think some players would be tempted when they get massive offers. But compared to ordinary people I think I earn a huge wage right now, anyway.

“My next step just has to be right for me when I look at the team and where and how I will live."