Manchester City monitoring Serie A star amid squad depth worries and Barcelona interest | OneFootball

Manchester City and Barcelona are closely monitoring Udinese and France midfielder Arthur Atta ahead of the 2026 January transfer window, as per reports from Italy. 

The Premier League side have scouted Europe’s most promising midfielders over the years having brought in Ballon d’Or winner Rodri in 2019 from Atletico Madrid alongside Kevin De Bruyne, who left for Napoli in June after winning 19 major trophies at the Etihad Stadium.

Moreover, recent additions such as Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez have impressed at Manchester City – contributing to nine goals between them since their arrivals from AC Milan and FC Porto in June and January respectively.

Yet, with the depth that Pep Guardiola now has at his disposal, the eight-time Premier League champions are impressed by Udinese star Arthur Atta, as reported by Tuttomercatoweb and relayed by Sport Witness. 

The Frenchman is said to be one of Udinese’s most consistent players under their manager, Kosta Runjaic – even last season, Atta played 27 games in the Italian top-flight and became a vital player after arriving from Metz. 

The 22-year-old is a primary central midfielder but can also play on the right flank and in attacking midfield as he possesses versatility, a high dribble completion rate and the engine to track back. 

Though his current ability may not hit the standard that Guardiola is after in the central roles at the moment, Atta’s potential is towering and a move to England has been mentioned by multiple sources. 

Another report from TMW claims that Udinese are keen on keeping hold of their prized asset until at least the summer but that same report backs up the interest shown by Manchester City, who could look to bolster their midfield in the January 2026 window.

In addition to interest from Barcelona, scouts from Napoli and Juventus have kept a close eye on Atta – with AC Milan and Inter also believed to have made initial inquiries for the midfielder, who is under contract with Udinese till the summer of 2029.

Manchester City are not expected to be in the market for a midfielder in January as things stand, with Guardiola and his coaching staff firmly of the belief that Ballon d’Or winner Rodri will soon leave his fitness woes behind him and gradually return to his best.

Rodri has endured a difficult 12 months with injury and Gonzalez has flourished in the absence of his 29-year-old compatriot, who suffered an ACL injury in September 2024 and is expected to return to match fitness after the ongoing international break.

City’s director of football Hugo Viana drew huge praise among the industry for his shrewd recruitment in his first summer in charge at the Etihad Stadium and the Portuguese will no doubt be keeping his eyes and ears open for potential openings in the January 2026 market that he could look to pounce on.