Alexander Hleb moved a step closer to leaving Arsenal yesterday, but talks over teammate Emmanuel Adebayor’s move to AC Milan reached deadlock over his £36m price tag.

Although AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani confirmed he has spoken to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger about a deal, the Italians are unwilling to meet Arsenal’s demands for the Togo striker.

‘I have had contact with Wenger and right now we are divided on an important difference in terms of value of the player,’ said Galliani.

Never say goodbye: Striker Emmanuel Adebayor could be staying at Arsenal.

Of his two striking targets, he added: 'They are both great forwards. But they could both remain where they are.'

Barcelona will continue to compete with Milan for Adebayor — regardless of whether president Joan Laporta stands down on Thursday — but the Spaniards are facing competition from Bayern Munich for Hleb

The former Stuttgart midfielder has already said he would be interested in a return to Germany, and Bayern will decide in the next few days whether to meet Arsenal’s £18m asking price following talks with the 27-year-old’s advisers.

It is understood Hleb has already left his London apartment, and yesterday he said: ‘There are 10 top clubs in the world, and when a couple are interested in you and offer better terms, surely others would do the same as I have.’