In a transfer saga that has sent ripples through the Premier League, Arsenal’s pursuit of a marquee signing has taken a dramatic turn, with Manchester City’s Jack Grealish emerging as a prime target for Mikel Arteta’s squad. The 29-year-old England international, whose flair and creativity once commanded a £100 million price tag, is reportedly on the verge of a move to the Emirates Stadium, thanks to a strategic shift at Manchester City. This development, described as a “dream deal” for Arteta, could reshape Arsenal’s attacking dynamics as they aim to dethrone Liverpool in the 2025-26 Premier League race.
Grealish’s journey at Manchester City has been a rollercoaster since his record-breaking transfer from Aston Villa in 2021. Initially hailed as a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s squad, the winger’s role has diminished, with only one Premier League start since Christmas 2024. His omission from City’s final-day squad against Fulham in May 2025 sparked speculation about his future, with Guardiola’s decision to overhaul the squad opening the door for Grealish’s departure. “It’s been much more difficult than I thought,” Grealish admitted earlier this year, reflecting on his struggle to secure consistent minutes at the Etihad. With City reportedly willing to let eight senior players, including Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bernardo Silva, leave to comply with financial regulations, Arsenal have seized the opportunity to pursue a player long admired by their fans.
Mikel Arteta, who previously described Grealish as a “top player” who can “make a difference at any moment,” sees the versatile attacker as the missing piece in his squad. Arsenal’s attacking output, while improved, has been a point of concern, with Gabriel Martinelli managing just 10 goals in all competitions last season. The Gunners’ new sporting director, Andrea Berta, has prioritized reinforcing the left wing, and Grealish’s ability to carry the ball and create chances—evidenced by his third-place ranking in big chances created during the 2020-21 season at Villa—makes him an ideal fit. Data analytics firm SciSports gives Grealish a Club Fit score of 77 for Arsenal, citing his alignment with Arteta’s tactical style and formation, despite concerns about his age and limited game time.
The proposed deal could take the form of a loan with an option to buy, a structure that suits Arsenal’s cautious financial approach while allowing City to recoup a portion of their £100 million investment. Such an arrangement mirrors the successful transfers of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from City to Arsenal in 2022, both orchestrated by Arteta, who leveraged his City connections to bolster the Gunners. “He has this personality against any opponent, at any ground, to take the ball in any area of the pitch,” Arteta said of Grealish in 2020, a sentiment that underscores his long-standing admiration for the player’s unique skill set.
Arsenal’s interest in Grealish is not new. Fans have dreamed of the winger donning the red and white since 2021, when his bond with Bukayo Saka during England duty fueled speculation. Social media buzzed with excitement after a post on X on May 26, 2025, claimed Arsenal had “finally signed” Grealish, though no official confirmation has surfaced. The prospect of Grealish linking up with Saka and Martin Odegaard in a dynamic attacking trio has Gunners supporters envisioning a return to the flair of the Arsène Wenger era. Former Arsenal defender Johan Djourou once urged Arteta to sign “his own version of Jack Grealish” to boost squad competition, a call that now seems prophetic.
However, Arsenal’s transfer plans extend beyond Grealish. The club’s failure to secure a top striker—having missed out on Benjamin Sesko and cooled interest in Viktor Gyokeres—remains a priority. A fan’s pointed critique on X echoed this sentiment: “Arteta should stop pretending we’re the best team in Europe when we’re not even the best team in England… we will never win big trophies until we sign a proper world-class striker.” Despite this, Grealish’s potential arrival could address the creative deficit, complementing targets like Martin Zubimendi, who is set to bolster the midfield.
As Arsenal prepare for a crucial summer under Berta’s guidance, Grealish’s move represents a bold statement of intent. His experience, coupled with Arteta’s vision, could elevate the Gunners’ title challenge. With Newcastle also linked to the winger, the race is on, but Arsenal’s historical ties with City and Arteta’s personal endorsement give them the edge. As Grealish seeks to reignite his career, the Emirates could be the stage where he rediscovers his magic, turning a dream deal into a reality for Arsenal’s ambitious project.
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