Arsenal have an excellent chance to solve their midfield issues in the summer by signing a midfielder with a promise of regular international football.
According to 90min, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle are all keeping a close eye on Kalvin Phillips’ contract situation, as his current Leeds deal runs out in 2024.
The Gunners will be in desperate need of a midfielder in the summer transfer window due to the number of outgoings that are expected.
Phillips, who was reportedly at the centre of a £50 million January bid from West Ham, would certainly be an excellent addition. And if he needed any persuasion to move, Mikel Arteta could factor in that he will have more of a chance of being an England starter whilst an Arsenal player.
Despite playing a key role in England’s Euro 2020 campaign where they reached the final, there has been an emergence of English midfielders that will certainly take Phillips’ place if he remains at relegation-threatened Leeds.
Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey have all been exceptional in the midfield this season, which will certainly give Southgate selection headaches in this position.
If Arsenal qualify for the Champions League ahead of next season, which currently seems like a strong possibility, then Phillips would have the chance to impress on the biggest stage of football which is not possible at Leeds.
There have already been calls to sign Phillips after the 26-year-old uploaded a post to his Instagram story following England’s 5-0 victory over Albania which congratulated Arsenal starboy Emile Smith Rowe, leaving fans picturing the same image at club level.
The signing of a midfielder in the summer window should be considered as a necessity for Arsenal, with football.london understanding that Roma are expected to make a fresh attempt to sign Granit Xhaka at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Elneny’s contract is set to expire, leaving Thomas Partey as the only experienced central midfielder.
Albert Sambi Lokonga and Charlie Patino are the other midfielders at the club, however, they both need time to adapt to the Premier League and they shouldn’t be burdened with such a huge responsibility.
With Phillips having both Premier League and international football experience, he would be an excellent addition to Mikel Arteta’s side, and if the Gunners qualify for the Champions League then they would be in an even greater position to sign him.
Make sure you have subscribed to The Arsenal Way and the Fan Brands team along with plenty of your football.london favourites will be producing daily Arsenal content for you to enjoy including match reactions, podcasts, football fun and interviews.
