Manchester City optimistic over Toure

Manchester City are confident of securing Kolo Toure's transfer from Arsenal by the end of this week in a move which would take manager Mark Hughes' spending this summer close to the £100million mark.

Talks between City and Arsenal are continuing and Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has conceded the Ivory Coast defender could be leaving.

It is understood City are very hopeful of wrapping up a deal for the 28-year-old, for a sum in the region of £15million, before the end of the week.

Hughes has already spent £80.5million, including £25million on Emmanuel Adebayor from Arsenal as well as the costly signings of Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez and Gareth Barry. He is thought to also be keen on Everton defender Joleon Lescott.

Wenger has insisted however that a deal for Toure, who played for Arsenal last night in a pre-season friendly in Hungary, is not definite.

Wenger told Arsenal TV: "We will see what's happening in the next 24 hours, nothing is decided yet.

"We have seven centre-backs and I am in the position where I have to play some in midfield but of course Kolo is a very good player and we will see what will happen in the next 24 hours."

City's spending could see them in direct competition with Arsenal for a Champions League place next season.

So far Wenger has made just one signing, central defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax, but he hinted that there will more arrivals before the transfer window closes.

Wenger added: "I am more focused on getting everybody fit for the start of the season but we are looking at opportunities as well, there are still some pre-season games to see what we really need.

"When the time comes we will do something."