Man City’s summer clear out! Jack Grealish tops long list of names set to be axed by Pep Guardiola with head coach ready to sacrifice SEVEN other Premier League winners

Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City has become a topic of discussion following the club’s latest transfer activity. The arrival of Brazilian winger Savio from Troyes has raised questions about Grealish’s role in the team and whether he could be on the move this summer. Among the clubs linked with Grealish, Arsenal has emerged as a potential destination. However, a transfer to the Gunners would come with significant challenges, including financial hurdles and the competitive nature of both clubs. This situation has sparked debates among fans and experts, with opinions divided on whether a move to Arsenal makes sense for Grealish or the North London club.

Jack Grealish joined Manchester City in the summer of 2021 for a British record fee of £100 million. His move from Aston Villa was seen as a major statement by City, who were looking to strengthen their squad with one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents. Grealish’s first season at City was a period of adjustment. While he showed flashes of his brilliance, he struggled to consistently replicate the form that made him a star at Villa. However, in his second season, Grealish played a crucial role in City’s historic Treble-winning campaign. His ability to retain possession, draw fouls, and create chances made him a key player in Pep Guardiola’s system.

Despite his contributions to the Treble success, Grealish’s form dipped in the 2023-24 season. He found himself in and out of the starting lineup, with Guardiola often opting for other options in big games. This led to speculation about his future at the club, especially as City continued to strengthen their squad with new signings. The arrival of Savio, a highly-rated young winger, has added to the competition for places in City’s attacking lineup. This has further fueled rumors that Grealish could be considering a move away from the Etihad Stadium.

Savio’s signing has been seen as a strategic move by Manchester City. The 20-year-old Brazilian winger is considered one of the most promising talents in world football. His pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal make him an exciting addition to City’s squad. While Savio is expected to spend the upcoming season on loan at Girona, his arrival has raised questions about Grealish’s long-term future at the club. With competition for places already fierce, Grealish will need to prove his worth to Guardiola if he wants to remain a key part of City’s plans.

The competition at City is nothing new for Grealish. Since joining the club, he has had to fight for his place alongside world-class players like Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez. However, the addition of Savio adds another layer of pressure, especially if the young Brazilian impresses during his loan spell and returns to City ready to compete for a starting spot. For Grealish, this means he will need to step up his performances and show why he deserves to be a regular in Guardiola’s lineup.

Amid the speculation about Grealish’s future, Arsenal has been mentioned as a potential destination. The Gunners have been active in the transfer market under Mikel Arteta, signing players who fit their style of play and long-term vision. Grealish’s technical ability and creativity make him an attractive option for Arsenal, who are looking to build a squad capable of challenging for major trophies. However, a move for Grealish would come with significant challenges.

One of the biggest obstacles is the financial aspect of the deal. Grealish’s £100 million transfer fee and £300,000-per-week wages make him one of the most expensive players in the Premier League. Arsenal, who have been cautious with their spending in recent years, would need to break their transfer record and significantly increase their wage bill to accommodate Grealish. This raises questions about whether the Gunners would be willing to make such a substantial investment, especially when other areas of the squad may need strengthening.

Another factor to consider is the competition for places at Arsenal. The Gunners already have several options for the left-wing position, including Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson, and Emile Smith Rowe. Martinelli and Trossard, in particular, have been key players for Arteta, with both offering pace, directness, and goal threat. Grealish’s style of play, which is more about ball retention and creating chances, differs from the profiles of Martinelli and Trossard. This has led some to question whether Grealish would be the right fit for Arsenal’s system.

Simon Bajkowski, Chief Manchester City Writer for the Manchester Evening News, believes that a move to Arsenal is unlikely. Bajkowski points out that Grealish is not looking to leave City and that the club would only consider a serious offer that recoups a significant portion of the £100 million they paid for him. Additionally, Grealish’s £300,000-per-week wages would be a major hurdle for Arsenal, who are unlikely to match such a salary. Bajkowski also notes that Grealish has built a strong relationship with Pep Guardiola, and starting over under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal would be a big adjustment.

On the other hand, Tom Canton, a football writer focused on Arsenal, believes that a move for Grealish makes little sense for the Gunners. Canton highlights that Arsenal already have several options for the left-wing position, including Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson, and Emile Smith Rowe. He also points out that Grealish’s style of play does not align with the profiles Arteta has preferred in that position, with players like Martinelli and Nico Williams offering more traditional winger attributes. Canton adds that Arsenal’s recent transfer strategy has focused on younger, more dynamic players, making Grealish an unlikely target.

### The Rivalry Factor

Another important consideration is the growing rivalry between Manchester City and Arsenal. In recent years, Arsenal have emerged as one of City’s main competitors for the Premier League title. The Gunners pushed City hard in the 2022-23 season, finishing just five points behind the champions. This has created a sense of competition between the two clubs, with both looking to gain an edge over the other.

City’s previous sales to Arsenal, such as Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, have strengthened the Gunners and helped them close the gap to the top. As a result, City may be hesitant to sell another key player to a direct rival. Allowing Grealish to join Arsenal could potentially weaken City’s squad while strengthening a team that is already a serious threat to their dominance. This makes a transfer to Arsenal even more complicated and unlikely.

Despite the speculation about his future, Grealish remains focused on proving his worth at Manchester City. The 28-year-old is determined to regain his best form and show why he was one of the most sought-after players in the world. Grealish’s relationship with Guardiola is also a key factor in his desire to stay at City. The Spanish manager has played a crucial role in Grealish’s development, helping him adapt to City’s system and improve his overall game.

Grealish’s ability to retain possession and draw fouls has made him a valuable asset for City, especially in tight games where control and composure are crucial. While his goal and assist numbers may not always stand out, his contributions to the team’s overall play are highly valued by Guardiola. This is why City are unlikely to actively seek a buyer for Grealish, despite the competition for places in the squad.

In conclusion, Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City has come under scrutiny following the arrival of Savio and his dip in form last season. While Arsenal has been mentioned as a potential destination, a move to the Gunners appears unlikely due to financial and tactical reasons. Grealish’s high transfer fee and wages, combined with Arsenal’s existing options on the left wing, make such a deal complicated. Additionally, City’s reluctance to sell to a direct rival further reduces the chances of Grealish joining Arsenal.

For now, Grealish remains focused on proving his worth at Manchester City and regaining his best form under Pep Guardiola. The competition for places at City is fierce, but Grealish has the talent and determination to rise to the challenge. Whether he stays at City or moves elsewhere in the future, Grealish’s journey will continue to be one of the most fascinating stories in English football.