AC Milan’s hopes of signing Emmanuel Adebayor, the Arsenal forward, before the end of the summer transfer window appear to be fading after the two clubs failed to agree a fee.

The Togo international, 24, has suggested he wants a move to the Italian side, who are looking for a world-class centre forward and are also interested in Samuel Eto’o, of Barcelona. However, Adriano Galliani, the AC Milan vice-president, says the club are unwilling to match Arsenal's fee, reportedly about £36 million (€45m).

“I have had contact with [Arsenal manager Arsene] Wenger and we are divided on an important difference in terms of value of the player,” Galliani said. Asked about his two targets, he added: “They are both great forwards. But they could both remain where they are.”