Arsenal scouts are closely watching Javi Guerra - sources
Arsenal scouts have been “keeping tabs” on Valencia’s Javi Guerra recently, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that signing a midfielder on a long-term deal is a current priority for the club.
Thomas Partey and Jorginho’s contracts expire in 2025, and Mikel Arteta is focused on finding a player to replace them for the foreseeable future.
Guerra is highly rated and is a player that Arsenal are well aware of due to their scouting network.
A deal for the 21-year-old will be difficult to achieve in the January transfer window, and his release clause is currently set at £100million.
There are “no doubts” that Arsenal will not trigger that clause in January therefore negotiations between the clubs will be necessary.
Arsenal could invest in Javi Guerra as a long-term project
It is expected that bolstering the midfield will become a priority in the next six to 12 months, giving Arteta two transfer windows to address the issue.
Sources have told Football Insider that the Premier League side are going to need several midfielders, and Guerra could be one of those.
After breaking into the Valencia team during the 2022-23 campaign, he became a regular in the team last season.
The Spain Under-21 international made 40 appearances in all competitions and scored four goals throughout the 2023-24 season.
Guerra is under contract at Valencia until 2027, giving the Spanish outfit plenty of power in any negotiations.
The youngster has played in all four of Valencia’s La Liga games this season, having started two and been a substitute in the other two.
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