Arsenal set to fight with Manchester City to sign Premier League midfielder: Reports

Arsenal are likely to face competition from Premier League title rivals Manchester City in their pursuit of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.net.

Both the Gunners and the Cityzens are on the lookout for talented youngsters to be added to their respective ranks. While the former boast aging stars like Thomas Partey and Jorginho in midfield, Pep Guardiola's club also has aging midfielders like Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic, and Ilkay Gundogan.

Hence, according to the aforesaid report, both Arsenal and Manchester City are keen to snap Wharton up in the upcoming winter transfer window. However, Palace are unwilling to offload the 20-year-old holding midfielder this term.

Wharton, whose contract will expire in June 2029, has emerged as a crucial starter for Palace since arriving from Blackburn Rovers in a potential £22 million switch earlier this January. The left-footed England international has provided four assists in 26 outings across competitions for Oliver Glasner's side.

Arsenal backed to defeat city rivals on Sunday

Former Chelsea star Chris Sutton has backed the Gunners to beat Fulham 2-1 in their Premier League clash at Craven Cottage on Sunday (December 8). He wrote in his column for BBC:

"It is only the fact they are playing Arsenal that is stopping me going for a home win here. [The Gunners] needed corners to find a way past Manchester United on Wednesday, but they deserved to win the game anyway."

Naming the Gunners' most important player right now, Sutton added:

"Martin Odegaard is a special talent and he is the difference maker for them. He knits everything together and he is the reason they are going on a bit of a run. Their confidence is growing and they look strong all over the pitch."

Sutton, who lifted the Premier League title in 1995, concluded:

"They did not miss Gabriel at the back against United, but this might be a tougher test for them, especially because some of Fulham's key players are Gunners old boys. One of them could easily come back to haunt Arsenal and put a dent in their title bid, but [Mikel] Arteta's side have got the ability to grind out results."

Arsenal are second in the 2024-25 Premier League table with 28 points from 14 outings, while Fulham are currently in ninth place with 22 points.

Mikel Arteta's side have registered eight victories, two draws, and just one defeat in their past 11 games across all competitions against Fulham.