Arsenal: 8 summer transfers to target from relegation candidates

6. Kalvin Phillips – Leeds

Subject of a failed £55m bid from West Ham on deadline day, Leeds made it abundantly clear that their academy star was going nowhere in the January window. They desperately need him in order to stave off relegation.

Of course, if he was actually available for selection, they likely wouldn’t have found themselves in this position. Losing only three of the 12 matches he’s been available for, Leeds have lost eight of the 11 since he suffered his most recent hamstring injury.

A regular England international, the holding midfielder has one of the finest long passes in the division together with easily one of the best five engines the Premier League has to offer. His boundless energy was a key component in the Three Lions reaching the final of the Euros, and that tenacity in the middle of the park would suit Arsenal.

Contracted until 2024, he’s unlikely to garner figures near the £50m range if his side do get relegated, and Arsenal have been credited with an interest in the past.

Does he quite suit the system? Moving to a 4-3-3 shape in recent months, Arsenal might want more of a No. 8 as opposed to a holding midfielder, with those spots filled up by Thomas Partey and Sambi Lokonga.

Still, a hugely talented midfielder.

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