Matija Nastasic to Arsenal? Manchester City put young defender 'up for sale' - reports

Reports in Italy say Premier League champions are ready to sell centre-back

Matija Nastasic playing for Manchester City in a pre-season friendly against Hearts (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester City have put Matija Nastasic up for sale, according to reports in Italy.

Newspaper Tuttosport claim the defending Premier League champions have officially put the 21-year-old defender on the transfer list.

With Thomas Vermaelen seemingly heading to an exit, Arsene Wenger has reportedly put the Serbian at the top of his list of targets.

However, Tuttosport claim Juventus are leading the race for Nastasic, who found it hard to break into Manuel Pellegrini's team last season.

After playing 30 matches under Roberto Mancini in 2012-13, Nastasic only managed 20 last term.

City are also said to be considering loaning Nastasic out, with a view to a permanent move.

Galatasaray and Inter Milan are also thought to be keeping tabs on the defender.