Arsenal have now emerged as the surprise favourites to sign Man United winger Nani according to the Metro. The Portuguese star looks set to leave Old Trafford this summer after the Premier League champions refused to bow to his pay demands during talks over a new contract.

Galatasaray had looked likely to sign the Old Trafford wide-man but their £6m bid was turned down flat by Man United and the Turkish club have elected to give up their chase to sign the experienced attacker.

Nani has somewhat struggled to hold down a starting place in United’s title winning starting eleven last season because of various injuries and becoming out of favor with Manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Wenger however, see’s the aqcuisition of the pacey winger as an ideal addition to his squad.

According to the Metro:

Arsenal are increasingly confident of wrapping up the signing of Manchester United winger Luis Nani. Turkish giants Galatasaray were interested in making a move but claim to have been priced out of the transfer – with United apparently wanting £8.5million for the 26-year-old who only has one year to run on his current deal. Don't Miss: Mikel Arteta makes U-turn on long-term Arsenal star – will stay at club

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Arsenal plotting shock swoop for Icelandic international stopper Juventus and Monaco are other possible destinations for Nani, but it is Arsenal who are now appear the front-runners to land the former Sporting Lisbon attacker. Manager Arsene Wenger has plenty of money to spend during the off-season and sees the winger as a useful addition to his squad. The Gunners were linked with a move for Nani during the winter but Sir Alex Ferguson refused to let the unsettled star leave.

Nani has just a year to run on his current contract and Man United would presumably prefer to garner something from the sale of a player that cost them £17m in 2007 rather than see the player leave on a free transfer in 12 months time.

Last season, the winger struggled to get onto the pitch for the league champs and only started seven matches. However, the year before that he finished with eight goals and 10 assists. At only 26 years old, there is plenty of reason to believe he is capable of putting together a strong performance like that again.

Although Nani’s ability has never been in doubt, his consistency has been questioned throughout his career with United. He has always been a threat when taking on his man and unleashing powerful or skillful shots. Nani was considered a long-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, but didn’t quite meet the expectations.

But, one cannot stop wondering why Arsenal are going for Nani when they already have so many wingers in their ranks? In a rebuilding season like this, when top players are likely to be bought to bolster the squad, can Arsenal afford to take a gamble by signing Nani?

Should we sign him?