Arsenal are ready to flex their financial muscle once again, this time in a fight with Atletico Madrid for Spain’s rising star Javi Guerra.
According to reports in Spain, Mikel Arteta has set his sights on the Valencia midfielder, with the Gunners prepared to offer around €25 million (£22m) for the 22-year-old. Guerra has been one of the few bright sparks for struggling Valencia this season, making 12 appearances and grabbing two assists while catching the eye with his versatility and control in midfield.
Despite only signing a new deal until 2029, Guerra is already looking for an escape route. Valencia’s nightmare start to the season, which sees them sitting in the La Liga relegation zone, has left the Spain U21 international regretting his decision to stay.
“Guerra’s current contract with Valencia runs until 2029, but reports suggest he’s open to leaving due to the club’s struggles in La Liga. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keen on securing Guerra’s services, seeing him as an ideal addition to his midfield,” reports Fichajes.
Arteta is believed to see Guerra as the perfect addition to his title-chasing squad, a midfielder who can play both as a No.6 and a No.8, offering creativity and bite in equal measure.
The Gunners already splashed a whopping £267 million last summer, but that isn’t stopping them from dipping back into the market. With Arsenal six points clear at the top and boasting the meanest defence in the Premier League, Arteta wants to keep the momentum going into the second half of the season.
The potential arrival of Guerra could, however, spell trouble for Christian Nørgaard, who’s barely featured since his move to North London.
If Arsenal pulls this off, it would be yet another power move from Arteta, adding one of Spain’s most promising midfielders to an already stacked squad. But with Atletico Madrid also in the hunt, the January window could turn into a full-blown transfer showdown.
