Arsenal are said to have joined the race to sign Chelsea target and Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips
According to 90 min (h/t The Sun), Arsenal have joined Chelsea and Manchester United in the race to sign Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
The 26-year-old has been a phenomenal presence for Marcelo Bielsa’s side ever since they were promoted to the Premier League. Philips also played a crucial role for England at The 2020 UEFA European Football Championship where the Three Lions reached the finals of the competition, succumbing to Italy at the final hurdle.
Phillips and Declan Rice formed a crucial double pivot for the English side creating a solid first line of defence. His current contract with the Peacocks runs until 2024 and not penning an extension will open up a world of opportunities. Despite a considerable amount of time on his current contract, there is no shortage of suitors waiting to avail of his services.
Manchester United are another top side that have been heavily linked with the Leeds-born player. It is also believed that West Ham United had a £55million bid for the player rejected on the deadline day of the January transfer window. This goes to show the kind of attention that he is attracting from clubs in England’s top flight
Kalvin Phillips and how he can fit at Chelsea?
The English midfielder has developed his game under Marcelo Bielsa who plays a very gruelling and demanding brand of football. This seems to have installed a strong work ethic in the 26-year-old while also helping shape the tactical side of his game.
Whilst the likes of Jorginho and N’Golo Kante have provided a reassuring presence in the middle of the park from time to time, the club could do well to get another defensive-minded midfielder in their roster keeping in mind the future considering that the duo have now entered their 30s.
A reliable central midfielder has become an integral part of the modern game and Phillips not only provides a reassuring presence but also has great technical skills which help him manoeuvre out of tough positions with relative ease.
Phillips also has the ability to carry the ball forward with relative ease and is a great asset with the team on the press. While the 26-year-old seems like a great acquisition it certainly won’t be an easy task to secure his services. Considering the last offer from the Hammers it seems like it won’t be a cheap affair either.
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The club has achieved a lot under Thomas Tuchel recently but it feels as though more investment will be required if this team is to go toe to toe with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool to compete for the Premier League title. With that in mind purchasing a quality defensive midfielder like Kalvin Phillips could be a significant step in the right direction.