French Defender Set to Snub Manchester City for Chelsea

Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala is set to give Premier League Champions Manchester City the cold-shoulder as the 23-year-old has now revealed that he would prefer Chelsea over the Citizens.

The in-demand Frenchman, who is being targeted by a host of top clubs this summer following some excellent performances in Portugal last season, had came close to joining City in the January transfer window. However, talks broke down after both clubs failed to reach an agreement.

City have rekindled their interest in Mangala this summer but the centre-back has stated that he would rather join Chelsea.

"City or Chelsea? Chelsea because it is London. It is true that I love the Premier League because it is a spectacular championship. In January, there were discussions with City but it fell through because the two clubs could not reach an agreement," Goal.com quoted Mangala.

However, the Porto defender has warned all suitors by insisting that he will discuss his club future only after the World Cup.

"My goal now is the World Cup. We will see what happens after that. I told [agent] Jorge Mendes that I don't want to know anything about the transfer window until then. Every player wants to play in the biggest clubs. I am an ambitious player and the team that can help me win titles is the one that interests me," he stressed.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are looking to sign City's James Milner after the midfielder handed in a transfer request at the Etihad, according to the Guardian.

Liverpool also reportedly interested in the 28-year-old but FA Cup champions Arsenal are believed to be the favourites to sign him.

Milner's decision to leave will create a big problem for City, who are already struggling with UEFA's restriction to have at least four home grown players in their truncated (as a punishment for failing to comply with the Financial Fair Play rule) 21-man Champions League squad for next season.

Milner, who joined City from Aston Villa in 2010, is unhappy due to the limited first team football, having started only 12 Premier League games this season.

The former Newcastle United star is also understood to be unhappy with his playing position at City. Milner, who has been predominantly deployed in the wide midfield role by both Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini, is confident that he will be able to play in his preferred central midfield position once he leaves the Etihad.