Arsenal and Manchester City keeping tabs on 23-year-old Belgian ace ahead of potential transfer tussle: Reports

Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester City have expressed interest in signing Club Brugge defender Maxim De Cuyper. According to TBR Football, the Gunners and the Cityzens are looking to bolster their backline by adding the 23-year-old Belgian.

De Cuyper has emerged as a key presence for the Belgian side, impressing on the left flank of their defense. He has made 24 appearances this season, collecting one goal and four assists. It is believed that the defending champions sent scouts to watch the player in their 2-0 win over Genk in the Belgian Pro League on Sunday (December 15).

Arsenal could also make a move for the player, with the January transfer window being touted as a possible time for the transfer. The player is adept in crossing and set-piece deliveries, potentially making him a valuable addition to a Gunners squad that have been dominant in dead-ball situations.

Full-back has been an area of concern for Mikel Arteta's side. Despite the availability of multiple options, injuries to Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Kieran Tierney have ravaged the side. It has been a key reason they find themselves well off the top in the Premier League title race, six points off leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

Manchester City themselves are arguably in a worse situation. With just one win from their last 11 games across competitions, Guardiola's men have endured a difficult run of form and are currently fifth on the table. They have also suffered an injury crisis to their defenders, with the likes of John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake all missing time.

Shaun Wright-Phillips outlines why Arsenal or Manchester City should sign Newcastle star

Guimaraes has been a key player for Newcastle.

Former Premier League forward Shaun Wright-Phillips has explained why Arsenal or Manchester City would be the perfect destination for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Highlighting the 27-year-old's energy and ability on the ball, Wright-Phillips said (via Sportscasting.com):

"I think he’s an unbelievable player. He’s always up there in terms of duels, keeps great possession of the ball, works his socks off and he keeps that ball moving."

"I think in terms of the way Arsenal and City play, he’s one of those guys that you want because he’s good at possession and keeping the ball within those midfield areas," he added.

Ever since joining the Magpies from Olympique Lyon in January 2022, Guimaraes has been a key figure under Eddie Howe. This season, he has collected one goal and three assists in 16 league games.

With the absence of Rodri looming over Manchester City's difficult run of results, the addition of the Brazilian could be some welcome help for the side. Arsenal could also benefit from his presence, adding dynamism to a midfield that could lose Thomas Partey and Jorginho as their contracts expire soon.