Arsenal communicated their interest in Phil Foden as Manchester City concedes defeat regarding Jack Grealish’s departure.
Former Premier League striker Tony Cascarino thinks Arsenal should pursue Manchester City star Phil Foden this summer, as Jack Grealish may leave on loan.
Arsenal has been advised to target Phil Foden this summer as Pep Guardiola revamps his Manchester City team. City made significant signings in the January transfer window, including Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, and Abdukodir Khusanov, while also releasing Kevin De Bruyne.
Guardiola has already added four new players this summer, such as Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Ait-Nouri. Jack Grealish is expected to leave City, having been excluded from the squad for the Club World Cup. However, City is struggling to find a buyer for the 29-year-old, who earns £300,000 a week, and is now considering sending him out on loan while covering part of his salary.
Newcastle and Napoli are potential destinations for Grealish, but Arsenal has been advised against pursuing him. Former Premier League striker Tony Cascarino believes the Gunners should focus on Foden instead.
In a conversation with talkSPORT about Grealish’s fit for Arsenal, Cascarino stated: “No, I think Foden is a better option. Arteta has worked with him at Man City, and for some reason, he hasn’t been performing at his best this season. His form hasn’t matched his previous recognition as the Football Writers’ Player of the Year.
Given City’s spending and changes, it wouldn’t surprise me if Foden is allowed to leave. Whether that will be to Arsenal is uncertain, but they previously let Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko go there. If Arsenal could secure him, I believe Arteta would be interested. At just 26, Foden has many years ahead of him.
Despite a tough season, Foden is a gifted player. He wouldn’t want to enter next season unsure of his playing time, especially with a World Cup on the horizon. City has spent nearly £300 million in recent windows.
Foden had an impressive 2023-24 season with 27 goals and 13 assists, but only recorded 16 goal contributions the following season. He revealed last month that he faced personal issues and injuries throughout the year. “It’s been a frustrating season for me,” he said. “I’ve had a lot going on mentally off the pitch. I hope to get back on track next year, as I know my potential and the quality I possess.”
