Arsenal has reportedly set its sights on securing Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips in a future transfer window, with a view to replacing Jorginho in the squad.
During the summer, Mikel Arteta made a significant addition to his midfield by signing Declan Rice from West Ham United. When fit, Rice is a regular starter alongside players like Martin Odegaard and another midfield option, with Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz, and Fabio Vieira being the most frequently used choices.
However, ongoing injury concerns with Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny sidelined with a knee injury have left Arteta with limited defensive midfield alternatives in the long term. Jorginho currently serves as backup in this role, but the Italian international has seen limited playing time, accumulating only 77 minutes across five appearances in all competitions during the 2023-24 season.
Furthermore, Jorginho’s contract is set to expire in less than 12 months, and there appears to be little progress toward a contract extension, despite his established presence in London.
According to reports from Fichajes, Arteta is already considering the possibility of signing Kalvin Phillips as a long-term replacement.
Phillips, formerly of Leeds United, has just entered his second season at the Etihad Stadium but has once again found himself mainly utilized as a substitute. Despite being in line to deputize for the suspended Rodri in upcoming domestic matches, Phillips has logged just 52 minutes across three appearances in all competitions this season.
During the summer, Phillips expressed his determination to secure regular playing time under Pep Guardiola, but the Manchester City manager has not yet granted him that opportunity.
The report indicates that Manchester City might find it challenging to recoup the £45 million that they paid for Phillips in 2022, despite the midfielder being under contract until 2028.
Arsenal has a history of doing business with Manchester City, having signed Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus last year. Additionally, Guardiola has previously stated that he would not stand in the way of unhappy players if a suitable offer were to be presented.
Kalvin Phillips is expected to make his first start of the season for Manchester City when they face Newcastle United in the EFL Cup third round.
