Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed interest in signing Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City, despite Phillips being considered a “flop” by some. Arteta sees potential in Phillips and aims to help him reach a “world-class” level. Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the 2023/24 season has them in third place in the Premier League, and they are eager to secure silverware after narrowly missing out on the title in the previous season.
Looking to bolster their squad, Arsenal is eyeing Phillips, a former Leeds United player, who has struggled to secure consistent playing time under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Phillips is viewed as a promising defensive midfielder, aligning with Arteta’s tactical preferences. Arsenal, in need of a reliable defensive midfielder due to fitness concerns with Thomas Partey and underperformance from Jorginho, finds Phillips a fitting option.
Financially, Phillips could be an affordable acquisition for Arsenal, considering Manchester City’s potential willingness to sell him at a price lower than the £42 million they paid for him a year ago. The club’s good start to the season in the Premier League and Champions League fuels their ambition to compete for trophies, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded and injury-resistant squad.
Incorporating Phillips into the Arsenal squad is expected to strengthen their midfield and provide tactical flexibility, allowing Arteta to experiment with different formations and strategies. With eyes set on success in multiple competitions, securing Phillips becomes a priority to fortify the team’s chances and minimize the risk of injuries disrupting their silverware aspirations, as was the case in the previous season.
