Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly in a “two-way fight” to secure the services of Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips.
According to Fichajes, England playmaker Kalvin Phillips “will almost certainly leave Manchester City” during the upcoming January transfer market in search of more game-time, with both Manchester United and Arsenal battling it out to land his signature.
The 27-year-old was once regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the league during his time at Leeds United but has largely struggled to live up to expectations since joining the Premier League champions for £45 million back in July 2022.
To suggest Phillips’s playing time at the Etihad has been limited would be an understatement. The England international has started just two Premier League games for the Cityzens this season and has made just 15 appearances under Guardiola in England’s top flight during that time.
Even when Rodri was suspended for three games prior to the international break, Phillips did not get much of a look-in from the City boss. He is, however, mindful that his place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad is under threat, although the Three Lions’ boss continues to select him despite his alarming lack of playing time.
It is also noteworthy that his time at City has been plagued with injuries, and he will be looking to get back to his best once again with a fresh start elsewhere. City proposed a loan move for Phillips last summer. But the combative midfielder vowed to fight for his place at the Etihad Stadium.
However, Fichajes now reports that Phillips has already chosen to leave the treble-winners this January. And the likelihood of a winter transfer is growing increasingly stronger. Phillips is unlikely to be short of suitors if he does opt to quit the Etihad, with Arsenal and Manchester United now eyeing up respective moves for the Englishman.
Arsenal, for one, are seriously considering a winter swoop for Phillips, as Mikel Arteta sees him as a perfect long-term replacement for Jorginho, who was strongly linked with a move away from the Emirates last summer and could lean towards a transfer switch back to Italy in the January window.
As for Manchester United, Casemiro’s troubling form has been cast into the spotlight as a potential weak link in their setup. As speculation and scrutiny surrounding his performances continue to grow, there is a feeling Erik ten Hag’s side may have to bring in a long-term successor sooner rather than later.
Although Phillips does not boast the same physicality as a prime Casemiro, his ball-playing attributes, tactical intelligence, and ability to break up opposition attacks earned him a place in the hearts of Leeds fans back in the day. He could also form a rock-solid double-pivot alongside Sofyan Amrabat in the engine room in the long run.
