Mikel Arteta gives instructions to Arsenal players
A former Arsenal player has voiced concerns that two potential transfer deals might hinder the Gunners’ quest for the Premier League title this season. Arsenal currently enjoys a comfortable position at the summit of the Premier League table, boasting a six-point advantage over the second-placed Manchester City, after 21 matches.
The North London club has crafted the league’s strongest squad, having invested around £250m during the summer transfer window, ensuring depth and quality across all positions. Despite a tense 0-0 stalemate against Liverpool last Thursday, Arsenal stands poised to end their title drought as Manchester City also faltered.
Yet, former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has expressed apprehension regarding Manchester City’s interest in signing Marc Guehi, following the acquisition of Antoine Semenyo this month. “It’s enough at the moment but there’s still a lot of games,” Smith noted on the Sky Bet’s ‘In the Mixer’ podcast concerning Arsenal’s current lead.
“I’m a bit worried about Manchester City, with them bringing in Antoine Semenyo and if they manage to secure Marc Guehi. I don’t like that at all because, as City are at the moment, Arsenal edges it in terms of squad strength.”
Smith continued: “Arsenal are doing what’s necessary right now. But an important question looms: If City are breathing down Arsenal’s necks with four or five games to go, how will Arteta’s squad handle the pressure? Though I believe Arsenal have matured enough to hold their nerve, only time will tell.”
In a related note, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio elaborated on Marc Guehi’s potential move to Manchester City, suggesting the centre-back might join due to City’s defensive urgency. Di Marzio detailed, “If Man City targets a player, they usually succeed in signing him. They’re likely to present an enticing offer to Crystal Palace and Guehi.
“Alternatively, Guehi is free to bide time for Bayern Munich or Liverpool. However, if City intensifies their pursuit, he’s likely to head there. This could be January’s standout transaction, following Semenyo’s switch to Manchester City, with Guehi’s move potentially being this window’s marquee Premier League deal.”