Arsenal are interested in signing unwanted Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips in January if they end up losing Jorginho.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal are open to making a move for Kalvin Phillips in January if they end up losing Jorginho. The unwanted Manchester City midfielder could seek a chance to play regularly, something he has not achieved under Pep Guardiola.
When the January transfer window opens, it will be 18 months since Kalvin Phillips made his £45 million move to Manchester City from Leeds United. So far, things have not changed for the midfielder when it comes to selections under Pep Guardiola, with the Catalan constantly overlooking the England international.
If things continue the way they are, Phillips could endanger his place in the England squad for Euro 2024. Many predicted the he could finally get his chances following Rodri’s direct red card against Nottingham Forest. Still, Guardiola selected summer signings Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic to marshall the midfield in the loss to Wolves.
Guardiola had previously hinted Phillips may not suit his system, and the treble winners were open to offers during the summer. Yet, the midfielder chose to stay put amid interest from Liverpool and West Ham. There were others like Everton also attempting, but nothing to convince the 27-year-old about a move.
Arsenal have also shown interest in the last few weeks, as Mikel Arteta may have realised he could need another body in midfield. The Gunners brought in Declan Rice during the summer but kept faith in Thomas Partey and Jorginho to provide support.
The Ghanaian midfielder has since been injured, and the Italian international is not so much in favour. Jorginho could leave Arsenal in January, and Arteta may look at Phillips to replace him in his midfield. The £45 million treble winner still has what it takes to help a big team in the Premier League and would look to resurrect his career.
Hence, Arsenal could plot a move in January to see if they can sign the 27-year-old. The only problem could come from Manchester City, who had previously hinted they would not do any more business with the Gunners after recent blunders in selling two quality players.
Nevertheless, the Gunners might have to make a concerted effort and offer money that would please Manchester City. Guardiola’s side have previously sold players they do not want to keep but at the right price. Hence, all eyes will be on Arsenal and how much they are willing to spend on a midfielder like Phillips. But City might not recoup the £45 million they paid to secure his services.