Arsenal are reportedly preparing a summer move for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his midfield options for the 2025/26 campaign. The Gunners have identified the 24-year-old as a versatile and creative addition who could provide both attacking depth and tactical flexibility. Meanwhile, Manchester City are bracing for a fresh blow as uncertainty mounts over their midfield stability and long-term squad planning.
Gibbs-White, who has emerged as one of the standout performers for Nottingham Forest since his arrival from Wolves in 2022, is now firmly on the radar of several top Premier League clubs. Arsenal’s interest comes after a season in which the attacking midfielder showcased his quality despite Forest’s battle for top-flight survival. His technical ability, pressing intensity, and creativity in the final third have attracted admirers across the league, but it is Arsenal who are making the first decisive move.
According to sources close to the North London club, Arteta is a long-time admirer of Gibbs-White’s dynamism and believes he could serve as an ideal complement to the likes of Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice in Arsenal’s midfield engine. With doubts surrounding the futures of Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira, and a growing need for squad rotation during a demanding Champions League campaign, the addition of a proven Premier League talent like Gibbs-White is seen as a shrewd strategic step.
Gibbs-White registered seven goals and nine assists in all competitions during the 2024/25 season, consistently playing as an advanced playmaker and occasionally as a wide forward. His versatility, work ethic, and leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed, and Arsenal believe they can unlock even more potential in a structured, possession-based system under Arteta.
While Forest are reluctant to sell, the club’s ongoing financial concerns and the looming threat of further Premier League financial regulation scrutiny could compel them to consider offers in excess of £40 million. Arsenal are understood to be willing to negotiate a structured deal, potentially including performance-based add-ons and sell-on clauses.
As Arsenal pursue Gibbs-White, Manchester City are experiencing fresh turbulence following their recent Champions League semi-final exit and mounting speculation over the futures of key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly concerned about a potential midfield void, with De Bruyne entering the final year of his contract and Silva again attracting interest from La Liga giants Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
This uncertainty has added to the sense of vulnerability surrounding City, who, despite winning the Premier League title again, are increasingly aware of the need to refresh their squad. Their long-standing interest in emerging midfielders like Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala has yet to materialize into formal bids, and the prospect of losing two central creative forces in the same window would be a significant psychological and tactical blow.
City’s situation is further compounded by the loss of young starlet James McAtee, who has opted for a permanent move away from the Etihad in search of regular first-team football, and doubts over Kalvin Phillips’ long-term role. While Phil Foden has stepped up admirably, Guardiola is keen to add fresh energy to the midfield — and Arsenal’s proactive approach in the market, particularly if they secure Gibbs-White, could add to City’s frustrations.
The developments also highlight a growing trend in the Premier League, with Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea increasingly challenging City’s domestic dominance by targeting top-tier young English talents. The Gunners’ clear recruitment strategy, focused on building a young, dynamic squad around a strong tactical core, is starting to bear fruit — and the addition of Gibbs-White could be another calculated piece in their long-term title puzzle.
With the summer transfer window approaching, the race to secure top targets is heating up. Arsenal’s move for Gibbs-White signals serious intent, while Manchester City’s internal uncertainties present an unexpected opportunity for rivals to close the gap. Whether Forest will ultimately sanction a sale remains to be seen, but the groundwork is already being laid.
As it stands, Arsenal are not just reinforcing their squad — they are also sending a message. With a stable managerial setup, Champions League football, and an ambitious project in full swing, the North Londoners are positioning themselves as serious long-term contenders. If Gibbs-White does make the switch to the Emirates, it could prove to be one of the defining moves of the summer — and one that leaves City with more questions than answers.
