Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Jake Stokes

The five times Jack Grealish flirted with Arsenal transfer as £100m Man City move goes south

Jack Grealish has become subject to criticism following an uninspired display in the Champions League as Manchester City scrambled to a 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund. The 27-year-old was dragged from proceedings a few minutes shy of the hour-mark after failing to record a single successful dribble, successful tackle, accurate cross or win an aerial duel.

While Grealish, who sees his contract at the Etihad Stadium run until 2027, has contributed towards a Premier League title since joining Pep Guardiola's side, he hasn't quite recaptured the bright form he enjoyed at Aston Villa. The England international has directly contributed towards just 10 goals in 44 games for City, meaning that the champions of England have spent - on average - £10million a goal or assist.

Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Grealish prior to the winger penning a deal at City. Now, he faces an increasingly uncertain future at the Etihad.

READ MORE: Arsenal's Premier League squad confirmed as Bukayo Saka and William Saliba absence explained

So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at the times when Grealish flirted with Arsenal from when he was once heavily linked to the Gunners.

Grealish likes new anthem 'The Angel'

In May, Grealish gave his verdict on Louis Dunford's new Arsenal anthem 'The Angel' after it was trialled for the first time at the Emirates Stadium before kick-off against Leeds United. The song, which went viral on Twitter a few weeks prior, has become a top hit among fans with it celebrating the history of Islington and the area surrounding the ground.

After the game, Dunford posted a message on Instagram to thank supporters and the club. And, Grealish was one of many replies congratulating the artist on the track. Accompanied with clapping emojis, the City winger commented: "Class bro."

Ben White message

In July last year when White swapped the Amex Stadium for the Emirates Stadium, Grealish sent the defender a classy message on Instagram. White posted a photo of him holding up his new Gunners shirt and the Aston Villa star commented: "Congrats brother. Fully deserved (clapping and football emojis)."

Inseparable mates

Following Arsenal's 3-1 win over Southampton in January 2021, Bukayo Saka posted a message on Instagram. Alongside a number of emojis, he wrote: "Goal, assist and 3 points. Perfect Tuesday night. Enjoy Gunners," .

With a shooting star and football emoji, Grealish quickly responded with a simple comment that read: "Starboyyyyyy."

On another occasion, Saka and Grealish were seen embracing during a meeting led by Gareth Southgate at an England training session.

Close contact with Saka

They are said to be in a Whatsapp group-chat together called 'The Avengers'. Dele Alli, James Maddison, Ben Chilwell, John McGinn and Ross Barkley are also said to be in the group-chat.

Saka even dedicated a goal he scored against Newcastle in January 2021 to the aforementioned group-chat, tagging Grealish and Chilwell in his Instagram story.

Grealish's favourite ground

Following Arsenal's clash with Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium last year, Grealish posted a picture on Instagram of him in action with the caption: "Pleasure to play at this place. My favourite stadium in the Prem.

READ NEXT:

Arsenal can complete free transfers amid Youri Tielemans and Douglas Luiz links

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

Kylian Mbappe plays key role in Arsenal securing Bukayo Saka contract amid shock clause reveal

Arsenal's Premier League squad confirmed as Bukayo Saka and William Saliba absence explained

Three Arsenal legends nominated for greatest Premier League transfer of all time

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.