Ben White is reportedly frustrated by a lack of playing time.placeholder image
Ben White is reportedly frustrated by a lack of playing time. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Pep Guardiola could look to make a head-turning January transfer move for a player at one of his biggest rivals in Arsenal.
For a moment, it felt as if Mikel Arteta’s side could run away with the league but Sunday was a reminder of the title credentials of Manchester City under the ruthless leadership of Pep Guardiola.
It’s set to be a vital festive fixture period and upcoming January transfer window, which could be decisive in determining who will lift the Premier League trophy next year.
Man City eye January swoop for Arsenal defender
When it comes to January shopping, Manchester City could be weighing up a head-turning move for a player currently at Arsenal in Ben White. The defender has made just six appearances so far this season, with just one start in the Premier League.
Transfer specialist Graeme Bailey reports that White is frustrated with his lack of minutes and that, as a result, Manchester City are monitoring his availability. Bailey told Arsenal Insider: “Ben White, from what I’m told, he is on board. However, there is a source of frustration there, he isn’t going to spend the rest of his career sat on the bench. Let’s not beat around the bush. He’s not one who really wants to go abroad, or not to Saudi at least.
“There is a lot of interest in him on the continent from Atletico Madrid and Juventus. The other one that I’ve heard who are keeping tabs on his situation, because they think he could be a very good fit to them as a right-back is Man City. He’d probably suit their system so it makes sense.
“Arsenal are not going to mess around with this squad. As we saw previously, with the likes of [Jakub] Kiwior, Arsenal are always going to err on the side of caution. I’m not saying he is banging on Arteta’s door right now, but he’s aware of the situation.”
Tottenham Hotspur star decision confirmed ahead of Arsenal clash
Before the window opens again, Arsenal must focus on the looming north London derby meeting with Tottenham Hotspur after the international break. The fixture will take place at the Emirates Stadium in a boost for Thomas Frank’s side, who have been better on the road this season.
It’s now been confirmed that Spurs winger Mohammed Kudus won’t take part in international action for Ghana over the next two weeks with full focus on facing Arsenal. Kudus missed out against Copenhagen and Manchester United with what is thought to be a small knock.
Frank had been hopeful that the winger would return to face Arsenal and neither coach nor player looks to be taking any risks of missing that game. Spurs have missed the creativity of Kudus with defender Micky Van de Ven talking about his absence after beating Copenhagen.
Van de Ven said: “Mohammed Kudus is an unbelievable player and we missed him in the game against Copenhagen. Hopefully he will be fit for us at the weekend against Manchester United. He’s an important player for us and I don’t know the details of his absence, but hopefully he should be back for us.”
In other news, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz: Arsenal injury return timelines as 5 face Tottenham fitness race.
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