Arsenal and Manchester City working on Belgium international as January deal could happen

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• EXCLUSIVE with Graeme Bailey

Arsenal and Manchester City both need something to ignite their respective 2024/25 campaigns back into life.

In a season where many expected the Gunners and the Citizens to be heading the Premier League title race again, they are instead third and fifth respectively as Liverpool and Chelsea occupy the top spots.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	15	11	3	1	31	13	18	36
2	ChelseaChelsea	16	10	4	2	37	19	18	34
3	ArsenalArsenal	16	8	6	2	29	15	14	30
4	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	16	8	4	4	21	19	2	28
5	Man CityManchester City	16	8	3	5	28	23	5	27

Arsenal have recorded consecutive draws with a 1-1 against Fulham before a 0-0 stalemate at home to Everton, and Mikel Arteta will be concerned by his side’s inability to score from open play in either of those games.

In regards to Manchester City, strange things are happening under Pep Guardiola as the Citizens embark on a bizarre run of five defeats in their last seven Premier League outings.

Now – however – TBR Football understand both Arsenal and Manchester City are doing work on Maxim De Cuyper ahead of a potential January deal.

Arsenal and Manchester City monitor Maxim De Cuyper

Sources have informed TBR Football that both the Gunners and the Citizens are keeping a close eye on the Belgium international.

De Cuyper is enjoying a standout campaign with Club Brugge this season, scoring once while also providing four assists in 24 appearances from left-back.

TBR Football understand Arsenal, who also like Vitor Reis, and Manchester City both sent scouts to watch the Belgian shine for Club Brugge in a 2-0 win over Genk on Sunday, in what was a very important six-pointer at the top of the Jupiler Pro League.

Arteta, who wants Roberto Olabe to replace Edu Gaspar as Sporting Director, and Guardiola could both enter the market for De Cuyper in the January transfer window to bolster their options on the left flank amid difficult runs of form, although others are admirers of the 23-year-old as well.

TBR Football are aware that Chelsea, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest have also scouted the Club Brugge No.55 this season.

Arsenal told Maxim De Cuyper would be “ideal” for corners

Interestingly, Hein Vanhaezebrouck – who was most recently manager of Gent – has already spoken about how De Cuyper could help Arsenal, specifically mentioning that the Belgian’s immense crossing ability would suit the Gunners at corners.

The 60-year-old told Voetbal 24: “De Cuyper has already improved defensively. Against Celtic he had won the most duels on the entire field… and of course he has his fantastic kicking technique.

“His crosses are becoming more and more like how Frank Vercauteren whipped balls in front of goal. His corners are phenomenal. Arsenal has a patent on corners at the far post. If Arsenal are looking for a left-back who can deliver the ball hard, then De Cuyper is the ideal person.”