Arsenal explored a loan move for Manchester City winger Savinho before being told the Etihad club were not interested in a temporary deal, with Tottenham now pushing further into the race for the Brazil international.
The update adds a useful marker to Arsenal’s wide-forward search. Mikel Arteta’s side have been assessing attacking options during the summer window, but City’s stance on Savinho appears clear: if the 22-year-old leaves, it will need to be on a permanent basis rather than as a short-term Arsenal solution.
Sport Witness, citing Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte, reports that Arsenal looked at Savinho before Tottenham accelerated their interest, but City immediately rejected the loan idea. The same report says Tottenham have spoken with Savinho’s representatives, City Football Group and Manchester City executives over a possible deal.
City stance narrows Arsenal route
That matters because Arsenal’s need is not simply for another attacker, but for one who fits the squad-building plan after a title-winning season. A loan would have offered flexibility while keeping funds available for other targets; City’s refusal removes that cleaner path.
Savinho remains a high-upside Premier League player, but the reported price region of around £42m changes the calculation. Arsenal may admire the profile, yet a permanent move at that level would have to compete with other priorities, including midfield, youth recruitment and the club’s broader forward shortlist.
For now, the key development is not that Arsenal are out of the market, but that one opportunistic route has been closed. Tottenham’s talks may force the pace, while Arsenal must decide whether Savinho is worth turning interest into a full permanent pursuit.