According to a report from The Sun, Mikel Arteta is reportedly exploring the possibility of strengthening his team’s midfield by pursuing talent from Manchester City. It has been suggested that he is considering enhancing the squad’s depth by targeting England international Kalvin Phillips.
Phillips’ Disappointing Spell At Manchester City So Far
Despite Phillips’ relatively recent transfer from Leeds to Manchester City in 2022, the 27-year-old has seen limited playing time at the Etihad. In the current season, he has accumulated five appearances and has started just once under the management of Pep Guardiola.
The 27-year-old has only averaged 0.7 shots, 0.7 tackles, 0.3 interceptions and 0.7 clearances per game in the Premier League.
Nonetheless, the defensive midfielder remains accurate in his ball distribution, after completing 90% of his attempted passes in the English top flight (stats via whoscored).
The English midfielder’s current agreement with the Etihad based club is until the summer of 2028, suggesting that Manchester City may not be in a hurry to part ways with him. Consequently, this could present a difficulty for the Gunners as they seek to arrange a transfer for him in January.
Will Manchester City Sanction Kalvin Phillips’ Exit This January?
Phillips is a resilient and tenacious midfielder, displaying remarkable awareness in regaining possession for his team in the midfield area. He doesn’t shy away from clearing potential threats and exhibits commendable passing skills.
While he possesses a keen sense of playmaking ability, particularly in initiating attacks for his teammates in the opposing half, Phillips would surely recognize the need to enhance his contributions in the offensive aspect to make a more significant impact on the team’s forward progression.
Nevertheless, Phillips has faced challenges during his time at Man City, dealing with injuries and struggling to establish himself as a consistent starter. These circumstances raise questions about whether he is currently the best fit for City’s tactical setup.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Phillips maintains a high level of talent and significant potential. His ability to win possession and distribute the ball, along with his capacity to advance it forward, could position him as a valuable asset for the Gunners. Despite acquiring Declan Rice last summer, the Gunners are actively seeking to bolster competition in their midfield, making Phillips’ profile an intriguing option for Mikel Arteta. Nevertheless, orchestrating a transfer in January could entail a substantial transfer fee for the North London club, potentially posing a hurdle in the process.
