Arsenal: Mikel Arteta shortlists shock midfielder who Pep says is “quality”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is targeting yet another Manchester City player in the January transfer window, this one being described manager Pep Guardiola as “quality”.

Arsenal come up against Manchester City at the weekend. It’s a clash between two titans which is always an entertaining watch. This time around, though, Arsenal will fancy their chances more than ever. Not only are they at home, but they have the advantage over the Citizens who are without some of their best players and in poor form after losing their last two matches in all competitions.

In other news, read the Gunners’ predicted lineup vs Lens by clicking here.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta turns to Kalvin Phillips of Manchester City

But the quality of the match aside, this will be an opportunity for Mikel Arteta to personally scout a player who he would like to sign in January. According to a report from Fichajes, Arsenal will turn to Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips as they plan to bolster their midfield options in January.

Whether or not Kalvin Phillips will play remains to be seen but one thing’s for sure, he certainly has more chance than ever before. With Rodri suspended and Kevin De Bruyne injured, Pep Guardiola may resort to giving minutes to Kalvin Phillips, who struggles to get game time.

The England midfielder, who was a cult hero under Gareth Southgate at Euro 2020, is linked with a move away in January, just as he was in the summer. Despite being described by Pep Guardiola as being a “quality” player, everybody can see he is surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium. Therefore, it’s likely that Pep will allow his transfer to happen.

Do you think Arsenal will sign Kalvin Phillips in January?