Jack Grealish to Arsenal transfer path finally cleared as Mikel Arteta handed dream deal

Much has been made of Arsenal’s need for a new striker in the transfer window. After missing out on the Premier League title for a third straight season, the pressure is now on Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners will back themselves to be one of the teams competing for the title next May. For that to happen, a new striker to lead their line has been made the priority – football.london understands that both Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko are on their radar, with other reports claiming talks have now opened for the latter.

However, with new sporting director Andrea Berta overseeing the recruitment at the Emirates Stadium, other positions are expected to be strengthened. Martin Zubimendi is due in, to boost up Arteta’s midfield, but there remain question marks over their quality at left wing.

Gabriel Martinelli scored just 10 goals in all competitions this campaign, with just six assists. Leandro Trossard, who enters the final year on his contract, also struggled to make the impact needed to compete at the top-of-the-table.

Rafael Leao and Rodrygo are both players who have been linked with a move to north London, but will also cost a premium. Jack Grealish, meanwhile, is another player that the Gunners simply have to consider.

His future at Manchester City is in serious doubt after barely being used by Pep Guardiola at the end of the season. The 29-year-old was left out of the squad entirely for City’s final-day Premier League match with Fulham, after only starting one top-flight game since Christmas.

Newcastle have been strongly linked with a move for the England international but, for Arsenal, it’s a deal that makes so much sense. First of all, there’s scope for the Gunners to sign him on loan with an option to make it permanent, the sort of agreement which gives them a chance to decide and City a chance to recoup as close to the £100million they paid for him in 2021.

Despite their rivalry in the Premier League in recent years, the two clubs have done plenty of business over that same time-frame. Gabriel Jesus and Olekandr Zinchenko were signed by Arteta – who left City for Arsenal in 2019 – and have played their part in the upturn in fortunes in recent years.

On the pitch, Grealish’s ability to break down low blocks, something Arsenal suffered so much with last campaign and drift inside from their left wing position could supplement the likes of Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz in the central roles.

Whether (or not) Arteta will want Grealish remains to be seen. But many factors point towards the former Aston Villa man being the perfect winger signing for Arsenal.