It is common knowledge that Arsenal are on the lookout for a star striker. But that will not be enough to satiate supporters in the summer transfer window. For many fans, a winger is also in high demand.
Bukayo Saka has shouldered the burden of being the leading light in the attack. His excellence has cast a critical light on the work of his teammates. Kai Havertz has persistently been held accountable for his flaws but the left wingers that are on the roster came under scrutiny in the last twelve months.
For the second season in a row, Gabriel Martinelli has not hit the heights of the 2022/23 campaign. His speed is a unique quality in the offence, and his work rate meets the standards of Mikel Arteta. But when the spaces close up, and the game is less dynamic, his limitations on the wing are visible.
Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard still stands out most as the super sub of the squad. An ankle injury for Martin Odegaard at the start of the season left the door open for more minutes that he could not maximise. His time at N5 might soon end in a period of reflection and rejuvenation for the side.
Here are four wingers that could change the feelings of the fanbase about the Arsenal attack.
Nico Williamswon plaudits on the path to glory for Spain at EURO 2024, where he scored in the final against England. Lamine Yamal was the centre of attention, but for the first time, La Roja had two truly dynamic dangers on each flank, and the 22-year-old continues to excel in a Spanish shirt
Just in this international break, he put on another spectacle. Spain went four goals to the good in the final four of the Nations League against France and he torched Pierre Kalulu on his debut for Les Bleus. A series of strong showings for La Roja have commanded considerable respect for the winger, but his time in the Basque Country has conjured up a little doubt about just how good he is right now.
With only five goals and five assists in La Liga for Athletic Club, his topline data does not indicate he is clear of Martinelli. But the one stat where he far outdoes the Brazilian is in terms of shots that he creates from take-ons, tripling the output of 23-year-old. He is in elite company across Europe in this category and could bring more of the creative dribbling against deep blocks that the team craves.
Capable of playing on both sides of the field, he could give cover to Saka if the manager does not always want to give that role to Ethan Nwaneri. But most of all, his speed, threat in transition, and relentlessness with the ball at his feet could give the attack more of a momentum shifter on the left.
The Gunners must be aware that they are not getting the complete package if they go in for Williams. But there is no doubt he has the potential to complete the dynamic duo that Arsenal are yearning for.
If the team are willing to try and pursue a polished product, then there is one outstanding candidate.
Mesut Ozil was one of the most talented players to grace the Emirates era as cast off from the star studded cast at Real Madrid. Over a decade later, fans will hope history repeats itself if Rodrygo is not sure of his place with Los Blancos and he has his eyes on being the top dog somewhere else.
He has always been in the company of other stars who have been the centre of the attention. Vinicius Junior has nailed down the spot on the left wing over the last four years and the arrival of Kylian Mbappe in the summer of 2024 meant even less prospect of playing on the left for the Brazilian.
The 24-year-old has learned to apply himself through a role on the right flank. Here, he has shown his willingness to work and plug in the gaps for the talismanic forwards in the team. Similarly, his humble record in the final third highlights how he has facilitated others instead of focusing on his own output.
Arteta will adore how much he is self-sacrificial as a character as well as his flexibility as an option across the front three. But it is the top tier quality as with the ball at his feet that will put the smiles on supporters’ faces. He can beat players with his dribbling in one-on-one duels on the flanks, and he is one of the best in the business when it comes to combining with other teammates in the final third.
