footballfancast.com

Arsenal: Mikel Arteta personally eyeing £35m playmaker who once agreed to join Man United -…

Arsenal’s attention may currently be fixed on the biggest match in the club’s modern history, but planning for the summer transfer window is continuing behind the scenes ahead of the Champions League final against PSG.

Mikel Arteta’s side head into the final in Budapest looking to win the competition for the first time in the club’s history after an outstanding European campaign.

Gabriel-Saliba-Arteta-Gyokeres

Arsenal have combined strong domestic form with consistency in Europe this season, and the final against PSG represents another major step in Arteta’s long-term rebuild at the Emirates.

The Gunners have only just won their first Premier League title in 22 years after seeing off Man City, but their season isn't over yet, with the chance to complete an historic double well and truly on.

Tonali-Arsenal Related

[What "sources at Arsenal" are now saying about talks for Newcastle star Sandro Tonali](https://www.footballfancast.com/arsenal-newcastle-sandro-tonali-talks/ "What "sources at Arsenal" are now saying about talks for Newcastle star Sandro Tonali")

The Italian was offered to them by his agent in January.

Even with the focus on Saturday’s showpiece, Arsenal’s recruitment plans are already moving forward, and one name now linked is Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra.

Arteta personally eyeing Arsenal move for Javi Guerra

According to SportsBoom, Arteta is personally interested in the 23-year-old Spaniard as Arsenal continue searching for midfield reinforcements ahead of next season.

javi-guerra-valencia-premier-league

Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra.

Atletico Madrid and Man United are among the clubs also said to be monitoring the situation closely, with Guerra attracting growing attention after another impressive campaign in La Liga.

Guerra has steadily developed into one of Valencia’s most important players over the past two seasons, and shone in a playmaker role during a terrific run of form towards the end of 2025/2026, bagging four goal contributions in his final three La Liga outings.

He also scored in Valencia's final day 3-1 win over Barcelona.

Tall, technically strong and capable of driving forward from midfield, he has become known for his composure in possession and his ability to cover ground in central areas.

His style has naturally attracted interest from clubs looking for younger midfielders with long-term upside, with SportsBoom reporting he'll cost a minimum £35m.

For Arsenal, the profile makes sense. Arteta has consistently targeted technically gifted players capable of operating in multiple midfield roles, and Guerra’s versatility could make him an appealing option as the squad evolves further after this season.

Real Betis' Vitor Roque in action with Valencia's Javi Guerra

However, Arsenal are not entering a clear race.

United have previously pushed strongly for Guerra, and there were reports last year suggesting the player had verbally agreed to join the Old Trafford club.

Calciomercato journalist Daniele Longo reported on X that Guerra had reached an agreement on personal terms with United, although a transfer ultimately never materialised.

That previous interest may still be significant now.

javi-guerra-valencia

United apparently remain in the market for him now, and Guerra’s qualities continue to fit the type of player they have been tracking in recent windows.

Valencia, meanwhile, are understood to be keen to protect one of their key assets. Guerra remains under contract and is viewed internally as an important part of the club’s future, meaning any negotiations are unlikely to be straightforward.

Arsenal’s involvement could still change the picture considerably, though.

The opportunity to work under Arteta and join a side competing at the pinnacle of football would naturally carry major appeal for many young players.

Trossard-Arteta-Arsenal

Arsenal’s style of football and their recent development under Arteta have also strengthened their position in the transfer market.

Timing could become important too. Arsenal’s immediate focus is fully on the Champions League final, but once that is complete, attention is expected to quickly shift towards strengthening the squad for another demanding campaign across multiple competitions.

Guerra is unlikely to be the only midfield target under consideration, but the interest appears genuine.

With Arsenal, United and Atletico all circling, the Valencia midfielder is quickly becoming one of the more closely watched names ahead of the summer window.

Read full news in source page