City Close in on Toure As Arsenal Test Barca's Patience

Manchester City are closing in on the signing of Ivorian central midfielder Yaya Toure as Arsenal refuse swap deal with Barcelona for Cesc Fabregas.

The Barca midfielder, 27, is currently at the World Cup representing the Ivory Coast but the Citizens have already met with Barca and his agent to discuss terms.

City are looking to tie up a deal for around £27m, less than the £35m Barca originally wanted, but the Catalan side have been told that Arsenal want cash only for Spanish midfield star Cesc Fabregas, and they are looking to take the quick investment from the blues.

Toure would link up with his brother Kolo at Eastlands, which would complete a dream for the brothers who have always wanted to play club football together.

Meanwhile, City are waiting intently on the end of the group stages of the World Cup, with negotiations with several targets expected to be furthered in the next fortnight. City have been linked with a number of star players like Fernando Torres and Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently, but Roberto Mancini wants to stick to his tried and tested 4-3-1-2 formation, which was the motive behind the talks with Robinho's representatives last wednesday afternoon.

City will have to stump up £23m for Serbian left back Aleksandar Kolarov to beat Real Madrid to his signature, whilst the club are also looking to tempt Barca right wing back Daniel Alves with a lucrative offer.

Meanwhile Arsenal are looking at the progress of several keepers at the World Cup. Manuel Neuer, Sergio Romero and Hugo Lloris are all being scouted as Wenger looks to bring in a new keeper. The Gunners boss is also looking to snap up Yoann Gourcuff, who's valuation has fallen with the dissappointing French campaign in South Africa, as well looking to £8m rated Fulham centre back Brede Hangeland to sure up his leaky defence.