Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have been encouraged to make a bold summer move for Manchester City star Phil Foden, as Pep Guardiola continues a major shake-up of his squad at the Etihad Stadium.
City have already made significant investments in the transfer market, splashing out in January on Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, and Abdukodir Khusanov. That spending spree has continued this summer with the signings of Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Aït-Nouri, while club legend Kevin De Bruyne has been released after nearly a decade of service.
With Guardiola looking to rejuvenate his squad, Jack Grealish is one of the high-profile names expected to leave. The 29-year-old winger was omitted from City’s Club World Cup squad and is reportedly available for loan, with the club willing to subsidize part of his £300,000-a-week wages to facilitate a move. Newcastle and Napoli have emerged as potential suitors.
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However, former Premier League striker Tony Cascarino believes Arsenal should steer clear of Grealish and instead pursue Foden, who has endured a difficult season.
Arsenal - Phil Foden
Phil Foden (Image credit: Getty Images)
Speaking totalkSPORT, Cascarino said: “No, I think Foden’s way more likely [than Grealish for Arsenal]. Obviously, Arteta worked with Phil Foden at Manchester City, and for whatever reason, I’m sure we’ll find out eventually, Foden just hasn’t been the same player this season.
“From being the Football Writers’ Player of the Year the season before, his performances this year haven’t matched that. But with everything going on at City, and all the spending, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s allowed to move.”
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Cascarino also pointed to precedent, noting that City previously sold Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal. He believes a similar deal for Foden could appeal to Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.
“If Arsenal could get him, I think Arteta would seriously consider it,” he added. “Foden is only 26 and still has plenty of football ahead of him. He’s had a tough year, but he’s an incredibly gifted player. Arteta would know what’s been going on behind the scenes at City.”
Foden had a brilliant 2023/24 campaign, recording 27 goals and 13 assists. However, he managed only 16 goal contributions last season as he battled injuries and off-field issues.
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