Arsenal and Manchester City are set to go head-to-head in the race to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, according to a report by Football Insider. The 25-year-old attacking midfielder has been a standout performer for Forest, attracting interest from two of England’s biggest clubs.
Manchester City initially targeted Gibbs-White as a potential replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, following their decision to withdraw from the race for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. However, Arsenal have now entered the fray, looking to bolster their squad after finishing 10 points behind Premier League champions Liverpool.
Forest’s failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League has reportedly improved City’s chances of securing Gibbs-White’s signature. However, Arsenal are prepared to challenge them, with manager Mikel Arteta and the club’s hierarchy backing a £300 million transfer war chest to strengthen their squad.
Gibbs-White has registered seven goals and eight assists in the 2024-25 Premier League season. Nottingham Forest are demanding £100 million for the midfielder, a fee that wouldn’t break Arsenal’s transfer record, given their previous £100 million plus £5 million in add-ons signing of Declan Rice in 2023.
With both clubs eager to secure his services, Gibbs-White’s future remains uncertain. Whether he chooses to join Pep Guardiola’s City or Arteta’s Arsenal, his next move could significantly impact the Premier League landscape.
