Arsenal have reportedly been urged to keep a close eye on Kobbie Mainoo’s situation at Manchester United ahead of the January transfer window, with several insiders suggesting the Gunners should be ready to act if an unexpected opening appears.
Mainoo, considered one of United’s brightest midfield talents, has been central to Erik ten Hag’s long-term plans. The club is understood to have no intention of selling, and recent reports indicate that United want to build their future midfield around the 19-year-old. However, uncertainty surrounding United’s squad rebuild and the club’s financial balancing could leave room for strategic opportunities—something Arsenal have been advised not to ignore.
For Mikel Arteta, midfield remains a priority area as Arsenal push for depth, reliability, and long-term quality. With Thomas Partey’s injury record and ongoing transfer speculation, plus the need for a more progressive ball-carrier alongside Declan Rice, the idea of targeting a young, technically gifted midfielder has been raised again within analyst circles.
Mainoo fits that profile perfectly: composed under pressure, intelligent in tight spaces, and fearless on the ball. Though a January move appears extremely unlikely given United’s stance, Arsenal have been “instructed” by some pundits and recruitment watchers to be ready to pounce should the situation shift—either through player dissatisfaction or an unexpected United policy change.
For now, the message to the Arsenal hierarchy is simple: monitor closely, stay prepared, and don’t rule anything out. January has a way of opening doors no one expected.
