Manchester City receive firm Arsenal transfer stance amid January interest in defender | OneFootball

Officials at Manchester City face no opportunity to sign one of Arsenal’s defensive options during the upcoming January transfer window, according to reports.

City’s hunt for a long-term right-back solution has been widely reported, with the club believed to be exploring a range of profiles ranging from emerging talents such as Feyenoord’s Givairo Read to Premier League-proven operators like Newcastle’s Tino Livramento.

While versatility and tactical intelligence remain key components in their search, Pep Guardiola’s side continue to meet resistance from clubs unwilling to strengthen a direct title rival midway through the campaign.

City’s interest in defenders capable of inverting into midfield has grown notably since Kyle Walker departed the club for Burnley, leaving a significant structural void. Abdukodir Khusanov’s bright performances before injury provided temporary relief, but Guardiola has already made clear the Uzbek cannot shoulder the position full-time due to physical demands and rotation needs, most recently leaning upon Matheus Nunes in the position.

However, Manchester City’s attempts to identify an experienced option have once again been met with a firm stance – this time from north London, according to some bold media claims.

According to the information of TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Arsenal have made it clear they will not allow Ben White to leave in January, nor entertain any offers, with City among four clubs keen on his signature.

White’s lack of minutes at the Emirates Stadium have not gone unnoticed, and his ability to play as an inverted full-back or as a centre-back is reportedly seen as ideal for Pep Guardiola’s system, with the manager seeing the Englishman as a good fit for his system.

Alongside City, the report claims Atletico Madrid, Como and Marseille are also keen on a possible move for Ben White were he to become available, although Arsenal have made it clear they will not be looking to weaken their squad in any way come January.

And while White himself is believed to be frustrated at his lack of minutes, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta still remains a huge fan of the former Brighton defender, making it clear he does not want to lose him in the new year.

Arsenal’s stance effectively ends any realistic possibility of City pursuing the England international, but the situation could evolve depending on White’s playing time in the months ahead. For City, the refusal is consistent with a wider theme in that established European clubs are unwilling to negotiate mid-season unless presented with an extraordinary offer.

As such, Etihad Stadium officials may now focus on either short-term depth solutions or simply wait until a more favourable summer market, particularly given growing optimism around Matheus Nunes’ bright performances in the position.

Still, Manchester City’s long-term stance is unchanged in that right-back remains a priority area for structural upgrades, with some believing that the club will almost certainly revisit their interest in Tino Livramento next summer.