Javi Guerra: Mikel Arteta pushing Arsenal to sign Manchester United midfield target | OneFootball

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is urging his club to step up their efforts to sign Valencia star and reported Manchester United target Javi Guerra.

It’s thought that midfield is an area of the pitch United could seek to strengthen during the summer transfer window – a need that will certainly become more urgent especially if Casemiro and Christian Eriksen leave the club.

Casemiro continues to be linked with a move to Saudi Arabia while Eriksen – who has seen his playing time limited since the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo – is believed to be on the radar of Turkish outfit Galatasaray. A return to Ajax for Eriksen has also been mooted.

In January, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United established contact with Valencia to explore the possibility of sealing a deal for Guerra.

Needless to say, a transfer never materialized. The player also came out and pledged his allegiance to Valencia, a club he joined in July 2019 in the U18s group before rising through the ranks and becoming an established first-team player.

A fresh report has indicated that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants Guerra, who is also being pursued by United, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Real Madrid and Barcelona want to keep the 21-year-old in Spain but there is an acceptance that English clubs could blow them out of the water in the race to secure his services since they have greater financial muscle.

It’s understood that the Gunners are the club most likely to submit an offer for Guerra in the summer. Arteta is a fan of the Spain international and has watched many of his games this term.

Should United, Arsenal or any other party come calling for Guerra, Valencia are in a strong negotiating position. They tied down their youngster to a long-term contract which contains a huge €100million (£85m) release clause.

However, it’s believed that Los Ches will not hold out for such a sum and can be convinced to part ways with Guerra for a fee in the region of €50-60m (£42-51m).

This season, the United midfield target has registered four goals and one assist in 34 appearances across La Liga and Copa del Rey.

It’s easy to see why top clubs are after Guerra. He is quick, press-resistant, is an excellent passer of the ball and contributes both offensively and defensively. The player is also very versatile and can play as a No 8, No 10 or even No 6.

Also, at 21, Guerra still has plenty of room for improvement and to refine his game.

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