In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Manchester City’s star midfielder Phil Foden has been tipped to make an unthinkable move to Premier League rivals Arsenal ahead of the 2025–26 season. The 25-year-old England international, long hailed as a cornerstone of City’s dynasty, faced a challenging 2024–25 campaign, prompting speculation about his future at the Etihad Stadium. Former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino fueled the rumors, suggesting that Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta—who worked with Foden during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant—could capitalize on City’s squad overhaul to secure the attacking midfielder’s signature. “Obviously Arteta worked at Man City with Phil Foden and for whatever reason, I’m sure we’ll find out down the line, Phil Foden just hasn’t been the player we know him to be this season,” Cascarino said, igniting debate about a potential blockbuster transfer.
Foden’s 2024–25 season was a far cry from his 2023–24 heroics, when he scored 19 Premier League goals and earned the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. Hampered by an ankle injury sustained in a draw against Manchester United in April 2025 and off-field mental struggles, he managed just seven Premier League goals, his lowest tally since 2019–20. “It’s been difficult,” Foden admitted, revealing he played through “bad” ligament damage and felt “physically and mentally burned out.” His limited starts—only seven in the Premier League—and City’s trophyless campaign, finishing third and losing the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace, intensified scrutiny. A crushing 4-3 defeat to Al Hilal in the Club World Cup round of 16 further stung, with Foden visibly emotional, slumping to the turf in tears. Yet, glimmers of his brilliance emerged in the tournament’s opener against Wydad AC, where he scored in the second minute and assisted Jeremy Doku in a 2-0 win, prompting Guardiola to praise his “really good” performance.
The speculation surrounding Foden’s future stems from City’s ongoing squad transformation. With Kevin De Bruyne’s departure and new signings like Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders bolstering the midfield, competition for attacking roles has intensified. Youngsters like Claudio Echeverri and Oscar Bobb add depth, while James McAtee’s uncertain future looms. Cascarino argued that City’s spending and Guardiola’s willingness to let players like Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips leave suggest Foden could be next. “All that’s happening at City and all the spending that’s gone on, I wouldn’t be surprised if Foden is allowed to go somewhere,” he said on talkSPORT. Arsenal, chasing their first Premier League title since 2004, see Foden as a dynamic addition, especially given Arteta’s familiarity with his playstyle from their time together at City from 2016 to 2019.
Foden’s connection to City runs deep. A product of their academy, he’s won six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League, amassing 13 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances in 2024–25 despite his struggles. His recent performances at the Club World Cup, where he looked “energetic” and rediscovered his “touch of class” with a difficult finish against Al Hilal, suggest a return to form. “New season, new me,” Foden declared after the Wydad AC win, vowing to “prove people wrong.” Off the field, his commitment shines through initiatives like sponsoring a boyhood friend’s boxing career and supporting McDonald’s Fun Football programme, endearing him to fans. Yet, City’s decision to pass on signing Foden’s close friend Morgan Gibbs-White, who is nearing a £60m move to Tottenham, disappointed the midfielder, given their bond as Under-17 World Cup teammates and Gibbs-White’s role as godfather to Foden’s son, Ronnie.
An Arsenal move would be a seismic shift, not unlike Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s transfers to the Gunners. “A move for Foden would be an ambitious transfer for Arsenal, but not entirely implausible given City’s history of doing business with the Gunners,” one analyst noted. However, Foden’s loyalty to City and his desire to reclaim his role as the team’s creative fulcrum, especially with De Bruyne’s vacancy, could keep him at the Etihad. Guardiola’s faith in him, evident in his Club World Cup starts, and Foden’s own hunger—“scoring was important for my confidence”—suggest he’s not ready to give up. As the transfer window heats up, Foden’s choice between a fresh challenge and restoring his City legacy will shape the Premier League’s narrative for 2025–26.
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