Arsenal could test Manchester City’s resolve with a move for unwanted midfielder Kalvin Phillips to fill a void in the area.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal hold an interest in Kalvin Phillips, with Mikel Arteta eyeing a move for the 27-year-old midfielder in January. The Gunners may lose Jorginho in the winter market, which could push the club to test Manchester City’s resolve over the England international.
Arsenal’s current squad seemed complete when the summer window ended, but the early season injury to Jurrie Timber could have forced the club for a new defender. The Gunners did not re-enter the market after bringing in four key first-team stars and may have left any other pending needs for the next window.
As things have progressed in the campaign, Mikel Arteta may dip into the January window for a new holding midfielder. They did splash £105 million to sign Declan Rice in the summer, but with Jorginho likely to leave in January, the Gunners boss may need to replace the experienced Italian.
Jorginho remains happy at Arsenal but also knows his place in the squad. Arteta trusts the 31-year-old but does not start him in games. The injury to Thomas Partey felt like an opening for the former Chelsea stay, but he has only made brief cameo appearances so far.
Moreover, Partey could also consider his future in the next window, but that would depend on his playing time. For now, Arteta considers the Ghanaian midfielder fundamental to his plans. Still, the club might also listen to offers if his persistent injury issues keep him away from the squad.
In any case, Arsenal may not sanction the departures of both their experienced midfielders, and if one leaves, Arteta is looking at Kalvin Phillips as a replacement. It’s a tricky option, but the Spanish manager feels he could revive his Leeds United form over at the Emirates.
As things stand, the 27-year-old barely plays for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. He did feature on Saturday after Rodri got sent off against Nottingham Forest. However, with the summer arrivals of Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes, Phillips does not have a place in the squad.
Manchester City were open to selling him amid heavy interest from clubs, but Phillips chose to stay and fight for his place. So far, the plan hasn’t worked out for the 27-year-old, which could make him rethink his stance.
Arsenal’s interest could tempt the midfielder into considering a move and playing alongside England midfield teammate Rice. However, the biggest hurdle would be convincing Manchester City to sell, with Guardiola’s side reportedly unwilling to do business with the Gunners after their blunder last year.
Hence, Arsenal must make a compelling case to Phillips about joining them. As for Manchester City, they may not be able to recover the money invested in signing Phillips in 2022, as his stock could further depreciate if he keeps warming the bench for significant periods.
